Ukrainian community marks International Women’s Day with tribute to heroines

Members of the Ukrainian community gathered at the Ukrainian Community Centre on Stockport Road in Ashton to honour the courage and legacy of Ukrainian women during a special International Women’s Day event.

The event featured an informative display celebrating Ukrainian women, past and present, who have played vital roles in defending their country’s freedom, culture and traditions. Visitors were invited to explore the exhibition and reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of generations of women who have inspired others through their bravery and resilience.

Among those attending was Andrew McLaren, Deputy Leader of Tameside Council. Organisers also thanked members of the Association of Ukrainian Women (AUW) who helped plan and prepare the exhibition.

Traditionally, the community commemorates Ukrainian heroines in February, reflecting a long-standing practice passed down through generations. However, organisers decided to move the commemoration to International Women’s Day this year, offering an opportunity to place the stories of Ukrainian women within a wider global context of women’s achievements and struggles.

The exhibition highlights women from different periods of Ukrainian history who have defended their country’s freedom or preserved its culture. It also includes a special section recognising the mothers and inspirational women in the lives of community members, encouraging visitors to add the names and stories of their own personal heroines.

Nadia, one of the organisers, welcomed guests and explained the significance of the display.

“Traditionally our parents commemorated specific Ukrainian heroines of their generation in February,” she said. “These were women who survived hardships, made sacrifices, or lost their lives in the struggle for Ukraine.

“Because February is now also a time when we mark the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, we decided to move the commemoration to International Women’s Day.”

She explained that the exhibition distinguishes between generations of Ukrainian women: those honoured by earlier generations, and the new generation who are again facing the realities of war.

“Today we remember the women of our parents’ generation, but we also recognise a new generation of courageous Ukrainian women fighting the very same battle,” she said.

Nadia also encouraged visitors to reflect on the wider significance of women’s contributions around the world.

“We’re thinking about brave women everywhere who paved the way for education, professions and equal pay - including the suffragettes,” she added. “There are so many things in our lives that we take for granted, including our voices and our votes, and we must remember the generations who fought for them.”

Alongside the historical displays, the exhibition also celebrates Ukrainian culture, featuring books, family recipes and traditional items representing the heritage that many women have worked to preserve and pass on to future generations.

Guests were invited to leave comments, ask questions and share their own family stories, making the exhibition both a commemoration and a living tribute to women’s influence across generations.

Organisers described the event as both reflective and inspiring, honouring a difficult history while recognising the strength and determination of Ukrainian women past and present.

One of the displays at the event.