The V Women’s Leadership Forum, organised by the Ukrainian Bar Association, took place on 28 March 2025. Andriana Fozekosh, Head of Defence of Military Personnel Practice at AVER LEX, joined the event’s organising committee and moderated the session ‘Wartime Challenges‘.

‘The Forum is being held for the fifth time. We are witnessing the transformation of women’s leadership, which must include social activities, volunteering, and mental health support. Therefore, we have shaped the discussion of our session with a special focus on the adaptation of victims, military and veterans, children, displaced persons and all those who have been forced to change their lives significantly,’ said Andriana Fozekosh.

Specially invited speakers shared their extensive experience and practical advice on how to overcome the challenges of wartime:

• Veronika Plotnikova, Head of the Coordination Center for the Support of Victims and Witnesses;
• Dzvenyslava ‘Dzvinka’ Sira, Head of the department for work with the wounded of the ‘Angels’ Patronage Service of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
• Daria Kasyanova, Programme Director of SOS Children’s Villages Ukraine, Head of the Board of the ‘Ukrainian Child Rights Network’;
• Oksana Sosidenko, certified career counsellor, mentor, and volunteer, with the topic ‘From challenges to new career opportunities: how war changes professional trajectories’

We express our gratitude to the Coordination Center for the Support of Victims and Witnesses, the ‘Angels’ Patronage Service of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, SOS Children’s Villages Ukraine and the ‘Ukrainian Child Rights Network‘ for your important work for the citizens of Ukraine!