Greece’s Ukrainian community head joins European Parliament forum on women’s leadership

Hanna Oliynych, head of the non-profit Union of Ukrainian Women in Greece, represented the Ukrainian community at the International Forum titled Women’s Leadership and Family Business in Times of Challenges that was held on Oct. 17 at the European Parliament.

The event assembled Ukrainian women from more than 20 countries, as well as politicians, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and civil society leaders.

The forum began with a moment of silence to honor Ukraine’s fallen heroes. Opening the event, Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized the vital role of women’s initiatives in the country’s reconstruction.

Speakers included leaders from the global Ukrainian community, public and political figures, founders of businesses and brands, and representatives of sports federations.

During the event, the International Women’s Award WOMAN 2024 was presented. Among the laureates were European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno, People’s Artist of Ukraine Oksana Bilozir, Zarmilkas brand founder Liudmyla Shnaska, and Olga Pavlenko, president of the Ukrainian Kickboxing Federation WAKO.

“A particularly touching moment for us was receiving letters of gratitude and gifts from children and mothers of Kirovohrad region. This summer, 15 children — children of veterans, active military personnel defending Ukraine, and prisoners of war — spent time in our Skouras camp,” the organization said.

The forum once again confirmed that the strength of Ukrainian women lies in their unity, mutual support, and readiness to take action to build a strong and dignified future for Ukraine, the community said.