Ukrainian women workers’ voices #IWD24

The third year of full-scale unprovoked military invasion by Russia into Ukraine is ongoing. The Russian Forces continue shelling and bombardment, destruction of cities and villages, barbaric killings of civilian populations, and carrying out horrific war crimes. The expansionist war of the Russian regime has ruined the lives of millions of Ukrainians, deprived them of their homes, and forced them to seek safety and shelter in other regions of Ukraine and beyond its borders. Ukrainian women have faced dreadful trials and experiences. We present testimonies from the KVPU trade union activists about how the war has affected their lives and those of their colleagues.

Lidiya GALKINA, Chairwoman of the primary organization of the Independent Trade Union of Miners of Ukraine at the “Toshkivska” mine of the State Enterprise “Pervomaiskvuhillya”:

For me, a resident of the Luhansk region, the war began back in 2014. Since then, the sounds of artillery from enemy shelling have become commonplace in our mining town. However, all the mines in our region, which remained under the control of the Ukrainian Government at that time, operated almost uninterrupted, except for periods when the occupiers disrupted power lines. The settlements in free Luhansk oblast actively welcomed internally displaced persons from the occupied territories. Life and work continued amidst stress and tension, but everyone and everything functioned.

In February 2022, I, along with millions of our compatriots, were forced to leave our homes under pressure from enemy forces and due to massive shelling of residential areas. In June 2022, the enemy destroyed my home, the settlement, and the production facilities of the State Enterprise “Pervomaiskvuhillya.” All the mines that were part of it were destroyed.

For instance, in the urban-type settlement of Toshkivka, almost 5000 people were left homeless.

Many mining families found refuge in the Dnipropetrovsk region, while some miners heroically defend our land on the front lines.

I couldn’t stand aside, so in 2022, with the support of other fellow citizens, I organized a humanitarian hub for making camouflage nets and “kikimor” under the initiative “Step to Victory.” At present, the work of our hub is not limited to the production of camouflage materials.

Thanks to the support of the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine and the Independent Trade Union of Miners of Ukraine, as well as caring Ukrainians from abroad, we strive to assist other volunteers organizing free meals for the military, support mining families who have become internally displaced persons.

Unfortunately, miners who have lost all their property still have unpaid wages, while being forced to rent accommodation at considerable expense.

I cannot express enough gratitude to international trade union organizations for their active support and solidarity, which we desperately need. But Ukraine now needs weapons that will bring our Victory closer.

In conclusion, I confidently want to say that we will not be broken! Our Armed Forces and Ukrainians are strong in strength and unbreakable in spirit and faith.

Every defender of Ukraine is an embodiment of bravery, honor, strength, and courage. The best of the best defend our indomitable Motherland.

Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!

 

Svitlana KUZMINYKH, Deputy Head of the Trade Union “Metalistiv” at PJSC “KAMETSTAL” (Kamianske, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast)

With the onset of a full-scale military invasion by the Russian Federation into Ukraine, a large number of professionals were forced to leave their homes, saving their children and elderly parents. Metallurgists are grateful to their foreign colleagues for their solidarity, and support, and for providing shelter and assistance to our refugees.

In our city, we also shelter and assist internally displaced persons from Mariupol, Avdiivka, and other cities and villages affected by Russian aggression.

One-third of the men from our metallurgical enterprise are currently on the front lines, risking their lives for the freedom and independence of Ukraine, for the dream of a better future, defending the country and facing the overwhelmingly superior enemy in both manpower and weaponry. During these dreadful years, we have lost 31 defenders, and 7 boys are considered missing in action.

Thanks to the dedication and heroism of our military, we have the opportunity to work and live, although each day passes in constant fear and stress, under the sirens of air alarms.

We listen to the needs of our Defenders and provide them with assistance. We supply them with warm clothing, food, communication means, medical aid, and hygiene products.

The men who were drafted are now being replaced by women. They started to work in “traditionally” male positions – handling metal, operating control posts, supervising the unloading of finished products, managing the production process. Our women work even overtime, on weekends and holidays. And at home, they have children who also need attention and protection. But none of the women even consider complaining about the difficult work and its conditions because we all live in hope for Victory and are confident that with the help and support of all caring people, we will overcome all difficulties and challenges.

We appeal to our colleagues from international and European trade unions to continue supporting us in resisting the Russian aggressor, helping to resist the enemy and fight for freedom and peace in our country.

Thank you for not standing aside during such a difficult time and for supporting the Ukrainian people not only in words but also in deeds.

Humanity must prevail!

 

Vira BULANKINA, Member of the primary organization of the Free Trade Union of Railway Workers of Ukraine at the “Passenger Wagon Depot Kharkiv-Sorting” of the State Enterprise “Southern Railway” of PJSC “Ukrzaliznytsia”:

My entire life is connected with Kharkiv. Here I was born, studied, started a family, and live and work. I love my hometown very much and consider it the best in the world because it has a rich and glorious history, beautiful parks and squares, and hospitable and friendly people. Unfortunately, Kharkiv was peaceful and comfortable to live in until February 24, 2022 – before the treacherous full-scale armed attack by Russia. Since then, a disastrous hour has struck for all cities and villages of our country and all Ukrainians.

In the first days of the war, Russian invaders started to shell and bomb Kharkiv. There was a lot of destruction. Most of the city’s transportation was damaged and disabled. Our lives turned into constant horror and stress because the shelling and explosions didn’t stop day or night.

In early March 2022, after a hostile shell hit our house, my family had to leave our own home and move to another place.

Thanks to kind people who responded and helped my family with housing, it turned out to be closer to my work, and it was convenient for me to walk to it.

During this period, many Kharkiv residents sought to leave the city. The railway station turned into a turbulent stream of people, the number of which increased every minute. Everyone tried to leave the city as quickly as possible. There were not enough trains, cars, or seats not only in the wagons but also at the station. People traveled sitting on the floor in the wagons and vestibules.

Those were very difficult times for railway workers when some of us had to stay at our workplaces for several days without the opportunity to rest. We all directed our efforts to help the army and the city residents.

Over the two years of the ongoing war, we have all learned to cope in the most difficult situations. The railway established a rhythmic operation. And the flow of passengers decreased by tens of times. Despite the shelling and dangers, Kharkiv residents began to return to their native city. And after repairs, fortunately, my family was able to settle back into our apartment.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, I want to wish all women first of all strength and courage to help our fighters achieve Victory and to protect and liberate Ukrainian cities from invaders, as well as goodness, health, warmth, happiness, and love.

 

 

 

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