THE NATIONAL UNION OF
JOURNALISTS OF UKRAINE
“Free to choose. Strong together” is the slogan of the Numo, Sestry! non-governmental organization, the presentation of which took place at the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU). The information component is extremely important in the activities of this NGO because its mission is not only to support, unite, and help women who have survived russian captivity and conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) or are currently in the aggressor’s custody but also to testify and document russia’s crimes and widely convey the truth about them to the world. During the presentation and round table, the participants – the management and members of the Numo, Sestry! NGO, representatives of public, international, and donor organizations, and artists – discussed the consequences of CRSV and russian captivity, the possibilities of holding the aggressor accountable and receiving compensation for the victims, as well as support programs, etc. The participants of the round table voiced their needs and made suggestions for improving the efficiency of the public organization.
The Numo, Sestry! NGO brings together women with their own experiences of violence, human rights defenders, journalists, and activists who create a community of support, advocate for changes in protection policies and practices, and conduct educational and outreach activities. All members of the Numo, Sestry! NGO focus not on trauma but on recovery. They are united by a common goal – to restore the lives and health of women who have survived russian captivity and sexual violence, provide diverse support, draw attention to this issue, awaken empathy in the audience, and direct efforts to document russia’s crimes and bring those responsible to justice. Officially registered in December 2024, the organization has already become a powerful voice in the field of women’s rights protection.
Liudmyla Huseinova, the head of the Numo, Sestry! NGO, human rights activist, former prisoner, laureate of the National Human Rights Award, public journalist, and member of the National Union of Ukrainian Women:
“Among the members of our organization, there are many who went through russian captivity and suffered losses. But we show strength and help others through our projects. We strive to work together, recover, and be influential in our issues. We are with you to victory and understand the importance of uniting and supporting those who remain in the colonies and the occupied territories.
Lina Kushch, the First Secretary of the NUJU, member of the board of the NGO Numo, Sestry!:
“CRSV is a topic that society talks about little. But the voices of women who survived captivity must be heard and supported. We stand in solidarity with those who are currently in captivity, and we will do everything for their earliest release. In the first two months after registration in December last year, the organization welcomed more than 20 new members, mostly women who have been captured, occupied, or sexually abused. They are seeking justice, need rehabilitation and opportunities for personal development to overcome their own path, and for their voice to be decisive in making decisions about them at the national and international levels.
Kateryna Levchenko, the Government Commissioner for Gender Policy:
“Numo, Sestry! is not just an organization, it is the voice of those who were tried to be silenced. It is an example of the indomitability of the Ukrainian people. Your work is the truth that must be heard on all continents, debunking russian propaganda. Your work is solidarity. Thank you for your work. Every speech you make, every publication, and every interview is a step towards restoring the rights of those who have survived violence.”
Halyna Skipalska, the Director of the Ukrainian Foundation for Public Health:
“The topic of conflict-related sexual violence is very complex and has long remained taboo. But now silence no longer works. Those who have experienced CRSV are speaking out on various platforms. And this is the first step towards recovery. The Ukrainian Foundation for Public Health has been paying attention to the topic of CRSV for over 10 years, providing psychosocial services, comprehensive support, individually oriented support, protection, and advocacy. Cooperation with the Numo, Sestry! NGO is a union of values and mutual support, where the voice of a woman who has survived CRSV becomes the driver of change. Currently, our foundation, in partnership with UN Women, is implementing a project to strengthen mechanisms for preventing and responding to CRSV, which covers 11 regions of Ukraine. We support civil society organizations, and women’s associations, in particular Numo, Sestry!, as well as specialists who work with victims. Our experience shows that with political will and partnership, it is possible to build solutions that respond to real needs. We support our cooperation.”
Germán Vega Cortés, the Senior Advisor to UN Women in Ukraine:
“We are already cooperating fruitfully and are ready to continue our effective work. We will identify your needs and work on solving problems. We look forward to your next steps to support and develop your project. I am very happy to be here. We look forward to continuing our partnership.”
Nataliya Karbovska, the Program Director development of the Ukrainian Women’s Fund:
“There are more and more of you, and I really liked your slogan – “Free to choose. Strong together.” You, despite the difficulties and challenges – are moving forward. The Ukrainian Women’s Fund is very happy to support the Numo, Sestry! NGO. We provide more than 300 grants to women’s NGOs. But I know that the first grant is the most difficult to get. I am proud that we became one of your first donors. After all, support for such organizations is very important. I call on all donor organizations to support the Numo, Sestry! NGO.”
Mykhailo Kameniev, the Senior Project Specialist of the Kyiv Office of the Register of Damages for Ukraine:
“Our Register has the international status of an information accounting system, created on the basis of the Resolution of the UN General Assembly of November 14, 2022, on the armed aggression of the russian federation. Since 2023, the Register has been operating, and every victim can submit an application. This Register is for recording statements from victims and evidence from individuals, legal entities, and the state regarding the events of February 24, 2022, related to the armed aggression of the russian federation in the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine. Applications for nine categories, in particular regarding CRSV, have already been launched through the DIIA portal. In the future, it is planned to do so through the Administrative Services Center and representatives. It is important that as many people as possible know about this tool regardless of the support received earlier because the amounts of compensation have not yet been determined, and it is necessary to record all the damage by an independent international body for justice.”
The event also included a presentation of the documentary film called Occupied, which tells the stories of women victims in Ukraine and other countries that have survived wars. The film’s co-director, Tetiana Hanzha, noted that the goal of the film is to show the strength of women in the fight for justice.
NOTE. The round table was held with the support of the Ukrainian Women’s Fund.
NUJU Information Service
Photo by Larysa Portianko
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