On the front-line zones, where the echoes of the military actions blend with daily life, women in business are not only navigating the usual challenges of gender equality and fair pay but are also confronting blackouts, bombardments, air raid sirens, destroyed warehouses, shattered logistics, loss of raw materials and staff shortages. Despite these economic hardships and military actions, women entrepreneurs in Ukraine are managing to not only sustain their businesses but also actively expand their presence in international markets.
Under the aegis of the global initiative "Created by a Woman," our first project, "Business Women on the Frontline," showcases the dedication of women in business, especially under the conditions of a full-scale invasion.
Cities, the engines of economic resilience, are where local businesses currently foster entrepreneurship in the region, create jobs, and enhance the country's export potential. Our first Ukrainian office was opened in Dnipro, a city that has found itself at the forefront of the invasion, leading in the number of new businesses founded primarily by women.
We have gathered practical stories of female entrepreneurs building their businesses in the front-line zone.
We are proud to introduce the participants of our project:
- Anna Glushchenko, took over her husband's business while he is at the front and took on the management of the family business. TM "Oliynytsia"
- Nastya Varava, co-founder of the Varfamily restaurant chain in the front-line zone, who additionally runs a social project to support elderly people.
- Yuliya Siletska, an entrepreneur, is building the largest equipment manufacturing plant for beauty masters in Ukraine ÜLKA.
- Kateryna Geskina, owner of an event agency, who not only maintained her businesses during the war but also expanded her activities in Europe. Head of Mamazakazala and MZ_decor companies.
- Anna Obertas, founder of a clothing brand and style school, who inspires women to take care of themselves during the war. Founder of Tel'nyashka.
- Iryna Farionova, opened an IT training school during the war, facilitating the employment of women. Founder of Farionova_school.
- Anna Kudryavtseva, owner of an eco-friendly flour and pasta production, actively overcoming challenges during the war period and expanding production. Co-owner of Nutfarine.
- Olena Shyn, IT specialist, author of motivational women's meetings, wife of a veteran.
- Maryna Kovalska, head of the Ukrainian office of Women’s Voice in Action, a mentor and flagship of women's entrepreneurship in the region. Founder of the online platform Little People.
Over the next month, we will introduce you to the stories of each of these incredible women, sharing their personal victories, challenges, insights, and future plans. They all exemplify how a collective desire to move forward can overcome any challenge. Listening to these women's stories, you will feel the power of female leadership rebuilding the community and economy, creating the future.
"Created by a Woman" is a platform for women's voices in business from around the world, providing them with the necessary support and resources for development and scaling. This initiative not only honors the achievements and resilience of women but also promotes the creation of a stronger, more inclusive economy based on equality and justice.
The project is implemented with the support of the family foundation F corp. Family Foundation for the Future.
