Civil society and democratic experiences for Ukrainian women

Given the ongoing war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine, predominantly female refugees from Ukraine are assuming a new role within the family and society, presenting a significant challenge for many. These refugees must also navigate entirely new social and political structures and face the challenge of personal and societal integration in Germany. They need to be empowered and strengthened for this purpose. Offers for this target group that go beyond fulfilling immediate needs such as housing, clothing, or work are essential, either to become politically and socially active in Germany or their home country, promoting social cohesion. However, offerings for Ukrainian women that go beyond the basics of an orientation course and individually and sustainably support Ukrainian women are very limited.

The project provided politically engaged and interested women the opportunity to learn about the political system of the Federal Republic of Germany, especially the underlying democratic principles such as transparency, the rule of law, human rights, and the separation of powers. This is to enable future sociopolitical engagement in Germany, as well as in Ukraine or other countries, if they do not stay in Germany in the long term. The project offered 40 women from Ukraine the opportunity to engage in a dialogue through four consecutive workshops, a shadowing program, excursions, and a networking event. They acquired theoretical and practical knowledge about German democracy and the associated political and civil society structures. The participants, in particular, were empowered by the project to confidently participate in political and societal life in Germany, whether in civil society structures, state or municipal institutions, or political parties, through the acquired competencies of democratic interaction.