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On May 28, 2025, a forum dedicated to the 140th anniversary of the Ukrainian women's movement was held at the European Parliament office in Milan. The event brought together leading activists, scholars, and representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora from different European countries. Among the participants was Svitlana Manzer, head of educational and integration projects of the Ukraine Switzerland Bern Association, who represented the activities of the USB organization.
The forum was the result of close cooperation between the European Parliament Liaison Office in Milan, personally Mr. Maurizio Molinari, the Ukrainian organization Forum Donna and its leader Roksolana Kopaigora from Milan, as well as the Ukrainian Women's Union in Austria. Information support for the event was provided by the Museum of Women's and Gender History.
The forum participants had the opportunity to get acquainted with the activities of modern women's organizations, listen to presentations and take part in discussions on the challenges and achievements of Ukrainian women in the world. In particular, Doctor of Philology Alla Shvets presented a thorough report on the history of the Ukrainian women's movement, which over a century ago significantly influenced the formation of Ukrainian identity and national revival.
Special attention was paid to the figures of prominent Ukrainian women who played an important role in the international coverage of Ukrainian issues. Ms. Svitlana Savelieva, head of the Ukrainian Women's Union in Austria, shared the ambitious goal of restoring the Ukrainian women's movement to a modern professional level in accordance with European standards.
In his speech, Mr. Maurizio Molinari emphasized the critical need for objective reporting on Ukrainian realities in European media, especially against the backdrop of the ongoing war and a large wave of forced migration.
Marina Coloni, professor of political and social philosophy at the University of Milan-Bicocca, drew interesting parallels between the experiences of Italian and Ukrainian women, emphasizing the role of women as guardians of cultural memory and engines of change in society.
The real highlight of the event was the social fashion show by the famous fashion designer Kateryna Re, whose project received support from Forum Donna at the initial stage. Her collection became a vivid example of how women's solidarity and inter-organizational support can help develop unique initiatives and open up new opportunities for women's realization.
The Milan Forum demonstrated that the Ukrainian women's movement not only has a strong historical foundation, but is also alive, developing, and increasingly influential in the European context. The collaboration between organizations such as USB and Forum Donna serves as an example of an effective combination of experience, knowledge, and inspiration for a shared future in which Ukrainian women occupy a prominent place — as creators, leaders, and agents of change.
