On December 17, 2024, at the Sens bookstore, the LOMYKAMIN. Women’s Resistance in Crimea catalog was presented to mark the 32nd anniversary of the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. The event included a panel discussion highlighting the multidimensional aspects of women’s resistance and their struggle for Ukraine’s freedom and independence. The discussion was moderated by Iryna Slavinska, a civic activist, journalist, and literary scholar. The event welcomed representatives from civil society, cultural and expert communities, and government institutions. Attendees could participate in the Letters to a Free Crimea initiative and explore elements of Crimean Tatar heritage through a cultural display table.

The event began with a welcoming address delivered by Acting Permanent Representative Olha Kuryshko.

“The Mission works for the people, supporting and protecting those who remain under occupation. Today, we present a catalog based on the ‘LOMYKAMIN’ exhibition, dedicated to women’s resistance in Crimea. Why women in particular? Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has intensified pressure on Ukrainian resistance, including changes to legislation imposing penalties for any actions disapproved by the occupiers. Nearly every second person facing persecution, pressure, or threats from the occupiers in Crimea for their pro-Ukrainian stance is a woman,” said Acting Permanent Representative Olha Kuryshko in her welcoming address.

She also added: “Through this exhibition and the resulting catalog, we aimed to make the faces of women’s resistance in Crimea recognizable and to ensure that the voices of courageous and dedicated women resisting the occupation are heard.”

The next speaker was Sabine Freizer Gunes, UN Women Representative in Ukraine. 

“Women in Ukraine have been an integral part of the resistance since the very beginning of the Russian Federation’s large-scale aggression. They work at all levels — from local communities to governments and civil society — showcasing their resilience and energy. This is both inspiring and instrumental in advancing the principles of gender equality and women’s empowerment not only in Ukraine but worldwide. It is particularly significant that this catalog is dedicated to the women of Crimea, who continue to preserve their traditions, culture, and resistance despite all the challenges, including detentions and imprisonment.”

During the catalog presentation, the curator of the exhibition LOMYKAMIN. Women’s Resistance in Crimea and Creative Director of the Ukrainian Institute, Tetiana Filevska, addressed the guests:

“I am thrilled that we now have the opportunity to hold this catalog in our hands, and as a curator, I am delighted to see that a project born spontaneously has such longevity. A year ago, Tamila Tasheva suggested we meet to discuss an exhibition about women’s resistance in Crimea. I immediately agreed, as the topic resonated deeply with me. I wanted the perspective of women’s resistance to be widely shared. We also learned about the resistance movement Zla Mavka — women in the temporarily occupied territories who actively resist. It was crucial for me to represent their stories in the exhibition because it provides significant support for them. Additionally, I proposed exploring the historical roots of women’s resistance, particularly through the stories of Lesia Ukrainka in Crimea. This helped us understand the shoulders we stand on today. Every detail of this catalog was created with great love.”

Words of gratitude were also expressed by artist and photographer Yuliia Po and feminist artist, performer, and media artist Alevtyna Kakhidze.

“Art, for me, becomes a form of resistance — a way to oppose any kind of occupation, including the occupation of narratives and their distortion. Through my work, I can inform people in other countries about what is happening, and on the other hand, I can show people in Ukraine that there are those from Crimea who care deeply and do not accept what is happening on its territory. My mission is to convey the truth and demonstrate that there are people who reject the occupation and what has transpired on the Crimean Peninsula,” shared Yuliia Po.

“This is not just an exhibition; it is an entire story that continues to live and evolve, creating new narratives around it. One of the most emotional moments for me was during the Parliamentary Summit of the Crimea Platform, where I performed and spoke about Crimea and the crimes of the occupiers. It is crucial to draw attention of the international community to the issue of Crimea and its liberation,” shared Alevtyna Kakhidze.

The event also featured a discussion titled “The Multifaceted Dimensions of Women’s Resistance: Crimea,” with the participation of Tamila Tasheva, Member of Parliament of Ukraine and Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (2022–2024); Tetiana Filevska, curator of the exhibition LOMYKAMIN. Women’s Resistance in Crimea and Creative Director of the Ukrainian Institute; Leniie Umerova, a former political prisoner; and Sharlotta Khmelnytska, captain and veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

“Women’s resistance in Ukraine has existed for centuries and has become particularly prominent over the last 10 years since the beginning of Crimea’s occupation. Women, even under challenging circumstances, continue to fight for the release of political prisoners and advocate for their families’ rights. It’s striking that this resistance is often overlooked or underestimated, even though women frequently show determination and courage that surpass that of men. This is evident among human rights defenders working under repressive conditions, as well as women serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine—not just in support roles but on the frontlines. Such resistance, including women’s participation in combat, proves that Crimea is Ukraine, and their role in this fight is invaluable,” emphasized Tamila Tasheva.

“I spent five months in various prisons, without access to lawyers or contact with my family. Only later was I falsely accused of espionage, which the court failed to substantiate. This is an example of how Russia employs terroristic methods to intimidate people in the occupied territories, force its narrative upon them, and silence dissent. Yet, despite all attempts to break us, we continue to fight—even in silence—by supporting one another. It’s important that people don’t give up, and even when there seems to be no way out, there are those who share our stories with the world, bringing hope. We must do everything possible to support our compatriots who remain behind bars because, even in the darkest times, change is possible,” said Leniie Umerova.

Sharlotta Khmelnytska, a captain and veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war, stressed the importance of women’s solidarity and sisterhood:

“I became the commander of a drone unit and continue to challenge stereotypes about women’s roles in war. Although the situation in military education remains difficult, respect for women in the military is paramount. Sisterhood and mutual support among women help us endure hardships and stay strong. I firmly believe that these changes in attitudes toward women and reforms within the armed forces can ensure real progress. It’s essential to focus not only on the challenges but also on the achievements because change is already happening, and we must be part of it. I hope that one day, we will wake up and say, ‘Good morning, Berdiansk, good morning, liberated Crimea!'”

“Art is a powerful way to talk about women who resist because it allows us to tell each individual’s story. This is crucial since news, sociological studies, or generalized reports often speak in abstractions and depersonalized facts. Art, however, enables a deeper understanding, experience, and connection with an individual’s story—their pain, fear, and hope. When these stories find their place in the artistic space, they not only preserve memory but also create a bond with the people who are at the forefront of this resistance,” emphasized Tetiana Filevska.

During the event, a charity fundraiser was announced, organized by the Mission in collaboration with the Come Back Alive Foundation. The goal is to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense against Russian reconnaissance drones for the Air Command South. These forces defend not only frontline cities but also hundreds of kilometers of battle lines, where daily fights for Ukraine’s freedom take place. The total fundraising target is 3.2 million UAH.

To contribute, follow the donation link: https://send.monobank.ua/jar/9ZL8hkE5AB.

Visitors could also participate in the Letters to Free Crimea initiative and explore elements of Crimean Tatar culture by viewing a cultural exhibit. The event concluded with informal discussions, where attendees had the opportunity to reflect on what they heard, express support, and share thoughts on future steps in the fight for the liberation of Ukraine’s territories.