Like the Russian invasion Ukraine Since its second year of existence, women living in war zones have faced significant risks, large caregiving responsibilities and enormous stress, according to Amnesty International.

Tamara, a woman living in the war zone in the Donetsk region, told Amnesty International how the invasion affected her as a mother and as a woman.

“Everything has changed for the worse. People [σ.σ. της οικογένειας] fighting, women were left alone, many with small children without any income. There is no help,” she says.

Forced to choose between being abandoned by her parents and keeping her children safe, Tamara faced a major dilemma.

“I’m back in the danger zone with my kids. Maybe I was wrong. But I also have to take care of my elderly parents who stayed at home. It’s my duty. There is no one to take care of them except me. I have no other choice,” he said.

For many women, the path to safety can be a devastating emotional and physical challenge.

My children have serious mental and emotional problems

Marina, a displaced Ukrainian woman who fled Russian forces in the Donetsk region, told Amnesty International: “It is very difficult. I am single and have three children. Nobody thought there would be a war. It was shocking and horrific. Heavy fighting was going on all around, and we all heard it. Russian warplanes flew so low that we could see the eyes of the pilots – this had a great impact on the children, ”he said.

“From that day on, we lived in the basement for almost a month, because the children were very scared. My daughter can no longer sleep at home. My children are experiencing serious mental and emotional disorders. In general, there is no place where one could feel safe because of explosions and air raids, ”he said.

Katerina was nine weeks pregnant and was living in the Donetsk region when the invasion began. “I didn’t know what would happen to us. There were rumors about evacuation, even about the departure of doctors. I could not do an ultrasound and all the necessary tests. There was simply no access to the hospital. This increased the stress and emotional tension.”

Finally, Katerina gave birth to a child, but since then every day she lives in fear. “I don’t have enough psychological help, and because of a small child, I don’t have time to talk to a psychologist, even on the phone. But I feel like I need it,” he says.

Sometimes they ask me to choose whether to buy food or sanitary pads.

At the same time, for menstruating women and girls, limited supplies and higher prices for menstrual products are forcing them to choose between food and hygiene products.

“There are sanitary pads and tampons for sale, but due to financial problems I have to choose whether to buy food or sanitary pads. After the start of the war, I often use improvised means on the days of menstruation, Tamara said.

For her part, Yuliya, whose home was destroyed by Russian airstrikes, told Amnesty International that she was able to obtain menstrual supplies for herself and her daughter from a support center for displaced Ukrainians.

Rise in sexual and gender-based violence

However, there are also women who are not only victims of war, but also victims of gender-based violence.

Incidents of violence have increased, especially against women living in conflict-affected areas.

The lack of security, the absence or “erosion” of the rule of law, the impunity of perpetrators and distrust of the authorities lead to the spread of violence.

Marina, a humanitarian worker, told Amnesty International that there have been many incidents of violence in a place where many displaced people live.

“There were 60 people in the gym. Even without experience, signs of violence are visible to the naked eye. I saw a lot there.”

“This year there are more conflicts at home. My husband’s aggression spread to me and my eldest child. I can’t leave the kids with my husband because of the uncertainty, for the whole day. He lost his job, and now my husband is overwhelmed with emotions and nerves,” says Katerina.

Involve women in decision-making processes

Amnesty International calls on the international community to make a concerted effort to ensure the meaningful participation of women in decision-making processes, from international consultations on financial support, reparations and reconstruction efforts to humanitarian assistance and justice processes for war victims and survivors.

Only the involvement of women at all levels can ensure that women’s needs are met, supported and prioritized, and that women’s rights are respected, protected and fulfilled. Women must be able to actively participate in decision-making processes at all levels to ensure that their special needs and views are reflected and taken into account in laws, policies and practices.

“Time and time again, women bear the brunt of the brutality of war. They are constantly at the forefront of conflict – as soldiers and combatants, doctors and nurses, volunteers, peace activists, guardians of their communities and families, internally displaced persons, refugees and too often as victims,” said Secretary General Agnès Callamard. organization Amnesty International.

“Women face increasing sexual and gender-based violence and dangerous health conditions, while also being forced to make life or death decisions for their families. At the same time, women are often excluded from decision-making processes, and their rights and needs remain unprotected and unmet,” Kallamar concludes, urging the international community to do more for Ukrainian women.

*Names have been changed to protect identity.

Source: amnesty.or / Photo: AP