“I am truly proud that Ukraine has such a courageous and strong community of sex workers!” Tetyana Lebed, NGO «VONA»

We are supplementing the SERIES OF INTERVIEWS “ON WAR AND SEX WORK”, in which we talk about the life of Ukrainians, the fate of sex workers and the sphere of sex services in Ukraine during the war, with a new series of conversations. This time we decided to talk to the leaders of our partner public organizations, with whom we share all the difficulties and challenges of protecting the rights of sex workers in different corners of our Ukraine during the war.

We present an interview with Tetyana Lebed (Тетяна Лебедь), Director of the All-Ukrainian Association of Drug-Addicted Women "VONA" (ВОНЖ «ВОНА»).

“Legalife-Ukraine” (L-U): Welcome to our portal! We are always happy to communicate with our long-standing partners in the protection of human rights in Ukraine. Please tell us, what changes have taken place over the last four years of the war in your life and in the life of the NGO “VONA”?

Tetyana Lebed: Greetings, dear colleagues and partners!

The war has been yet another serious ordeal for us, as it has been for all Ukrainians in general. But we have remained the same team we started out as, and that is very valuable, because human value is the most important thing. The only change is that one of our colleagues was forced to move abroad for personal reasons, but the team is still working.

It is important that most of our women working in the regions have also remained in their posts. The exceptions were Mariupol and Sloviansk (Маріуполь, Слов’янськ), where operations were suspended due to the hostilities and events of which, unfortunately, you are aware. In other regions, the team continues to work as usual – effectively under the same conditions as the head office. These are often extremely challenging conditions: without a stable electricity supply, heating or basic infrastructure. We operate thanks to alternative energy sources – generators, Ecoflow and other solutions that allow us to keep going even in crisis conditions.

Despite all the challenges, it was during this period that we managed to secure one important project – CoMPSS, which we are actively developing and implementing. As part of this project, we run ‘Mother and Child’ rooms, as well as a ‘Green Room’ for survivors of violence of all genders. These are spaces of safety, support and recovery, particularly important for women living with drug dependence and undergoing substitution therapy.

Our paralegals and regional coordinators continue to work tirelessly. They document cases of rights violations, provide initial legal assistance and support women in difficult situations. For our clients, this is often the only available resource that ensures they are not left alone to face violence, rights violations, stigma or discrimination.

Despite the war, we have preserved what matters most – our team, trust and the ability to continue supporting women where it is most needed.

L-U: What can you call the main achievements in the work of the All-Ukrainian Association of Drug-Addicted Women "VONA" over this years?

Tetyana Lebed: In my view, the greatest achievement of the All-Ukrainian Association of Drug-Addicted Women "VONA” over the years is the most valuable thing of all – the fact that we have managed to keep our team and our human resources intact. In extremely difficult conditions, especially during a full-scale war when many were forced to seek safety abroad, our women made a conscious choice to remain in Ukraine. Despite all the challenges – instability, emotional exhaustion, risks – they continue to work, support other women and develop our community.

This is about responsibility and dedication. It is about the fact that for us, this is part of our lives and our inner mission. Each of us understands how important support is for women living with drug addiction, and that is why we remain close by – where we are needed most. It is thanks to this solidarity that we have managed not only to hold our ground, but also to continue expanding our support, implementing new approaches and amplifying women’s voices at the national level. That is why our greatest achievement is the people. Women who did not leave, did not give up and continue to change the lives of other women every day.

L-U: How has your interaction with the authorities, social services, medical and other institutions changed over the years of this war?

Tetyana Lebed: I would say that one of the most valuable outcomes of our work has been the growth of trust in our interactions. There is now greater openness, support and mutual understanding between us.

It is particularly important to note the changes in our relationship with the medical sector. We have invested in this partnership over a long period and in a systematic way: we have run ‘doctor–patient’ training sessions, organised round-table discussions and built a dialogue. It was a gradual process that required time and effort from both sides. And today we have a very valuable result - trust. The relationship between us and representatives of the healthcare sector has become more open and collaborative. And this is something that directly impacts the quality of services and the experience of women seeking help.

We know where to refer a woman so that she receives the service without feeling shame or stigma. This is incredibly valuable!

L-U: Please tell us more about the programs through which activists from the NGO “VONA” are currently collaborating most closely with Ukraine’s sex workers’ community.

Tetyana Lebed: First and foremost, we are united by a shared understanding of the challenges women face – these include stigma, discrimination, rights violations, and the lack of decriminalisation…. That is precisely why we work together - not just on specific issues, but at various levels – from providing assistance to advocating for change.

We are actively involved in national and coordinating platforms – in particular, we participate in coordinating councils, national working groups and policy-making processes. This enables us to speak with a united voice on behalf of women and to influence decisions regarding access to services, treatment and the protection of rights.

It is particularly important that our collaboration is about joint advocacy. Together, we respond to cases of rights violations, raise issues regarding access to medical and social services, and work to reduce stigma. It is very valuable for us to see that in the cities where our activists work, this collaboration takes place not only at the strategic level but also in day-to-day interactions.

Activists from the NGO “VONA” and representatives of the sex workers’ community work side by side, support one another, hold joint events and respond to challenges together.

L-U: Our activists, who are regional leaders of the CO  ‘Legalife-Ukraine’, highly appreciate the interaction with activists of the NGO “VONA” in different regions of Ukraine. In your view, how important is cooperation and mutual support between NGOs today?

Tetyana Lebed: Cooperation between civil society organisations today is not just important; it is critically necessary. I am convinced that it is through partnership and mutual support that we can achieve systemic change, especially when it comes to supporting vulnerable communities.

As the NGO ‘VONA’, we have women leaders across different regions of Ukraine who have come together to defend their rights, overcome stigma and influence the situation in their regions. And that is precisely why we fully understand the power of coming together – when the experiences, knowledge and voices of different communities reinforce one another.

Our collaboration with partners such as the charitable organisation ‘Legalife-Ukraine’ demonstrates just how important it is to work together, as our communities often overlap, face similar challenges and require solidarity. Our activists’ participation in joint events allows us to exchange experiences, strengthen our advocacy work and support women in various life circumstances.

I believe that today, strong NGOs are those that do not compete, but unite. Because only together can we speak louder, influence more effectively and achieve real change. And most importantly – to give women the feeling that they are not alone, that there is a community that will support, empower and help them to defend their rights.

L-U: Who are your key allies in non-governmental sector, with whom do you join forces?

Tetyana Lebed: Our key allies and partners are the International Charitable Foundation ‘Alliance for Public Health’, the Charitable Organisation ‘Positive Women’, the Charitable Organisation ‘Legalife-Ukraine’ and the Charitable Organisation ‘100% Life’ (МБФ «Альянс громадського здоров’я», БО «Позитивні жінки», БО «Легалайф-Україна» та БО «100% Життя»). We also collaborate with the state institution ‘Centre for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine’, social services and healthcare institutions.

L-U: What do you think could help us to strengthen our cooperation even further in the future?

Tetyana Lebed: Previously, we had more opportunities for joint offline activities, and that experience was extremely valuable. We ran training sessions together, and I remember one such event as a very powerful example of advocacy.

Today, of course, due to the war and the restrictions in place, we are working more in online formats, but I believe that it is face-to-face meetings that hold a special power. We would very much like to revive and expand this practice. And it doesn’t really matter what form it takes – whether it’s joint retreats, training sessions or working meetings.

The most important thing is the opportunity for our staff and activists to immerse themselves in a shared space, feel each other’s support, work together, exchange experiences and gain new skills.

L-U: Thank you for this candid conversation. Finally, we have our traditional question: what advice would you give to budding activists who are just planning to get involved in supporting vulnerable communities, and what would you like to wish to the sex workers’ community in Ukraine?

Tetyana Lebed: I would like to address all the activists who are just starting out on their journey. I wish you inspiration, inner peace, and the support of kind, reliable and knowledgeable sisters by your side.

Don’t be afraid to move forward, even in small steps – that is where big changes begin. I am truly proud that Ukraine has such a brave, open and strong community of sex workers. And I believe it will only grow and grow stronger.

I know full well: a voice is heard when women are not afraid to speak out. So do not be afraid to be visible, do not be afraid to make your voice heard. It is you who set an example that inspires others and helps other women take their first step towards a new life.

Interview by the team at the ‘Legalife-Ukraine’ portal

Photos courtesy of the NGO ‘VONA’