Justice during war: the main conclusions of our video podcast on stigmatization in SNPK cases Ukraine is today creating a unique global precedent. While international practice was formed mainly after the end of wars and prisoner exchanges, our courts conduct criminal proceedings directly during military conflict — including passing absentee sentences. In our video podcast, we discussed with experts the most important thing: how is changing …
Category: Gender equality
Why is it difficult to acknowledge anger?
Why is it difficult to admit anger? Since childhood, many people hear that you can’t get angry, you need to be restrained, compliant and not create conflicts. Such expectations especially often apply to women, who may be required to be patient, caring for others and the ability to smooth over sharp corners. However, unlived emotions do not necessarily disappear. Sometimes they accumulate and manifest themselves in harsh responses, irritation over trifles, offensive words or …
"What were you wearing?"
“What were you wearing?” “What were you wearing?” This is a question that is often heard in one form or another by people who have experienced sexual violence. In fact, a person’s clothing, appearance, or behavior is never the cause of violence against them. The decision and responsibility for it always lies with the perpetrator. NGO “Girls” begins collecting testimonies for the exhibition “What were you wearing?”. If you …
Mobbing at work: how to recognize systematic harassment and protect your boundaries
Mobbing at work: how to recognize systematic harassment and protect your boundaries When a person is systematically humiliated, ignored, or made to feel superfluous at work, it is easy to write it off as “the difficult nature of colleagues” or ordinary work misunderstandings. Mobbing is systematic psychological or economic pressure on an employee by management or colleagues, which is aimed at degrading his/her dignity or forcing …
Psychological flexibility: how to act even when it's difficult inside
Psychological flexibility: how to act even when it's difficult inside We can't always control what we feel. We can wake up anxious, sad, afraid of change, or doubt our own abilities. Sometimes we just want to postpone an important task, not respond to a message, not go to a meeting, or turn down an opportunity that seems too scary. Psychological flexibility is the ability to notice our own thoughts, emotions, and …
You should have gotten back in shape by now: how societal pressure on women after giving birth affects mental health
"You should have gotten back in shape by now": how societal pressure on women after giving birth affects mental health "I've let myself down", "I need to lose weight urgently", "Something is wrong with me". The body can change after giving birth After giving birth, the body gradually recovers, but this process does not happen the same for everyone. It is influenced by: the presence of complications after childbirth, breastfeeding, sleep, nutrition, the level of physical and …
Why seeking psychological support should become the norm
Why seeking psychological support should become the norm For a long time, there was a stereotype that seeking help from a mental health professional was a last resort, resorted to only when "everything was really bad." For example, men were taught to be a "wall," to withstand any load, and to silently overcome challenges. However, the reality in which we live requires a revision of outdated ideas. Given the present, seeking help from a mental health professional is a last resort, which is resorted to only when "everything was really bad." For example, men were taught to be a "wall," to withstand any load, and to silently overcome challenges. However, the reality in which we live requires a revision of outdated ideas. Given the present, seeking help from a mental health professional is a last resort.
GREVIO's first report on Ukraine: achievements, gaps and next steps
GREVIO’s first report on Ukraine: achievements, gaps and next steps On 4 September 2026, GREVIO — the Council of Europe’s independent expert group on combating violence against women and domestic violence — published its first baseline report on Ukraine’s implementation of the Istanbul Convention. The experts noted the political will and changes that Ukraine has achieved despite full-scale Russian aggression. At the same time, they drew attention to the fact that the envisaged …
More than just a legal term: How important is a proper legal characterization of conflict-related sexual violence?
More than just a legal term: How important is a proper legal characterization of conflict-related sexual violence? More than just a legal term: How important is a proper legal characterization of conflict-related sexual violence? [1] The legal term “conflict-related sexual violence” (CRSV) has entered the legal system of Ukraine relatively recently. For example, this term was used in the National Action Plan to implement the Council resolution …
Motherhood and Work: When Motherhood Becomes a Financial Vulnerability
Motherhood and work: when motherhood becomes a financial vulnerability Having a child can significantly change a woman's professional life. After having a child, many mothers take a break from work, return to it later, or choose employment that is easier to combine with care. This affects not only the number of working hours, but also income, career growth, and further professional opportunities. The "motherhood penalty" Economic consequences …
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