Nataliia is an economist by profession and has worked as a merchandiser and an accountant all her life, while running her own business. Today, she is a pensioner, mother to a daughter, and grandmother to a grandson.
When the full-scale invasion began, the life of her community changed, like that of many Ukrainians. Some people had to leave, while others came to the community seeking refuge. The war brought not only fear and uncertainty, but also loneliness, psychological fatigue, and a need for support.
Nataliia lost her parents and husband and was left alone. “I sat at home and cried, not knowing how to go on,” she recalls. It seemed as if life had stopped. However, everything changed when she found out about a meeting organised by the NGO Girls.
A psychologist from the mobile team and a social worker launched a series of events for women in the community as part of the project “Strengthening Access and Service Provision for SRH Support and GBV Prevention among Conflict-Affected Women and Girls in Eastern and Southern Ukraine” in cooperation with the international humanitarian organization CARE, with the support of the German Federal Foreign Office. The mobile team specialists not only told the women about gender-based violence and available support services, but also created a safe space for restoring inner balance. One of such events was art therapy - classes that combine creativity and psychological healing.
It was during those meetings that the idea for a project was born, aiming to create a Ukrainian wreath, which is not only a national talisman but also a symbol of strength and beauty. For Ukrainian women, a wreath is not just a decoration. It is part of their cultural code, a sign of connection with their ancestors and nature, a talisman that has protected them from misfortune since ancient times. It was believed that each flower in the wreath had its own magical power to ward off evil. Even today, the Ukrainian wreath remains a vital symbol of our national identity and cultural heritage.
After some discussion, the mobile team decided to start their own mini-project to make wreaths, which had not only a creative but also a therapeutic effect. The idea turned out to be surprisingly successful — it brought women together, gave them peace of mind, relieved tension, and helped them overcome anxiety and despair. At each meeting, the participants made individual flowers with their own hands, step by step, creating their symbol of strength and hope. During the last session, the women gathered all the flowers, completing their wreaths. Each returned home with her own talisman, made with love, patience, and self-belief.
Nataliia says, “It was difficult when my parents passed away. It seemed like there was no way out of that deep abyss. But do you know what became my light? The club I attend with great pleasure. I came back to life there. Interesting classes, workshops, sports activities — all of this inspires and energizes me. And the most valuable thing is communication, support, and sincerity. We are like one team here, where everyone is valued and heard. Here is a Ukrainian wreath that I made myself under the guidance of the wonderful craftswomen of the NGO Girls. I admit, it wasn’t easy for me because I have problems with my left hand. It was difficult to thread the needle, glue, and make the flower. But I did it. This is not just a craft — it is a symbol that I can do more than I thought. This is my small victory!"
Participating in the project helped Nataliia regain her sense of self-worth and belief in her abilities. She became more confident, open to communication, and more actively involved in community life. Improving self-esteem had a positive effect on her emotional state as her anxiety level decreased, she became motivated to act, and she developed a desire to share her experience and support other women.
Thanks to such projects, the specialists of the NGO Girls help women not only to gain practical knowledge and psychological support, but also to rediscover themselves. As Nataliia says, “together we shape a space where we want to live, smile, and create.”
