«In democratic countries, a woman can perform any role she desires». Oleksandra Matviichuk at the gala evening of Harper’s Bazaar in London.

On March 7th, Harper’s Bazaar, a prestigious global publication, hosted a gala evening in London. The event attracted over 200 female entrepreneurs, actresses, leaders, media executives, and international influencers. Notable among the attendees was Oleksandra Matviichuk, Head of the Center for Civil Liberties, who delivered a welcome speech during the evening’s main proceedings. Addressing prominent women worldwide, Matviichuk spoke about Ukrainian women on the frontlines, in the rear, in media, education, and human rights advocacy – women who have been resisting Russia’s war for a decade now. 

«In democratic countries, a woman can perform any role she desires. Women make government decisions, women serve in the Armed Forces, women coordinate volunteer movements, and women document war crimes. Women are at the frontline of this battle for freedom and democracy because bravery has no gender», — noted Oleksandra. 

During her visit to the United Kingdom, the Head of the Organization also participated in a panel discussion following the screening of the feminist documentary film «Oh, Sister!». The film tells the story of six women facing the challenges of war and fighting for peace, justice, and freedom in Ukraine. The film was commissioned by the Nobel Women’s Initiative in cooperation with United for Ukraine, and BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt.  The discussion also featured remarks from the co-founder of United for Ukraine, Olga Hamama, and the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yuliia Svyrydenko. 

In addition, Oleksandra Matviichuk held a series of meetings with British media and a special briefing at the Foreign Press Association, where she emphasized the need for providing military assistance to Ukraine, the establishment of a special international tribunal for Putin, as well as the confiscation of frozen Russian state assets in favor of Ukraine. 

Translated from Ukrainian by a volunteer of the Center for Civil Liberties Sofiia Pavlova, international relations student of National University of «Kyiv-Mohyla Academy»