The unfolding and highly tense crisis between Ukraine and Russia currently affects nearly 44 million civilians. As parents everywhere search for ways to best discuss what’s happening with their children, a topic that might come up in conversation is how can families be empathetic and act to help those most affected by this conflict.
Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 60 are required to stay and fight. Therefore, it’s women and children who are predominately on the humanitarian front line. Many women and children have had to flee their homes in a hurry to a safer space.
Pope Francis has called for an end to the fighting in Ukraine, stating, "This is not just a military operation, but a war. The number of victims is increasing, as are the people fleeing, especially mothers and children."
Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day is on March 8, 2022. What better time than now to honor women by learning how you and your children can help Ukrainian women and their families in real time who are living in the middle of the conflict?
Here are some of the organizations that are working tirelessly to bring help to women and children of Ukraine:
Ukrainian Women’s Fund
The Ukrainian Women’s Fund is the only women’s fund located in Ukraine. They provide resources to women’s rights/feminist organizations via grants, expertise, training, facilitation, and platforms for cooperation. The Ukrainian Women’s Fund fosters the development of a strong and effective women’s/feminist movement.
Catholic Relief Services
As Ukrainians flee their homes due to the conflict with Russia, Catholic Relief Services assists Ukrainians crossing into Poland for safety.
Global Empowerment Mission
Global Empowerment Mission is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Florida and founded in 2011 as a first responder to global disasters. GEM is currently on the ground in Medyka Poland serving and relocating thousands of evacuees from Ukraine.
International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee helps people affected by humanitarian crises to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. Since the start of the February 24th Russian invasion, 1 million refuges have fled Ukraine. IRC donations directly benefit the civilian population and aid humanitarian needs as they arrive.
Ukrainian National Women’s League of America
The Ukrainian National Women's League of America is the longest-running and largest Ukrainian women’s organization in the United States. Their mission is to unite women of Ukrainian descent and affiliation in service, friendship, and dedication to promote and develop educational and cultural efforts and humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians worldwide. The UNWLA is providing humanitarian aid for civilians inside Ukraine who have been displaced or injured, as well as providing aid to four military hospitals (Kyiv, Dnipro, Lviv and Zhytomyr) and caring for injured soldiers.
Ukrainian Red Cross
The Ukrainian Red Cross sprung into action by distributing more than 30,000 food, water and hygiene parcels and assisted with the evacuation of people with disabilities. They are providing basic food and necessities to those in need, including food, water, clothes, hygiene sets, blankets, and household items.
Save the Children
As you discuss with your children the unfolding crisis, they may ask how they can help some of the 7.5 million children from Ukraine who are caught in the crossfire of war. Save the Children is on the ground now, in the United States and around the world, delivering essential humanitarian aid to children who need it.
In addition to these nonprofits mentioned, there are several other organizations currently working to aid and assist all civilians fleeing the conflict. Learn more about how you can talk to your children about the crisis.
