“Suffering into hope for the future”: status of vulnerable women and children in Ukraine and identification of post -conflict solutions to support their reintegration and re-socialisation

Access to basic services, including health and social care and information by women and children is severely disrupted during conflict. Gender-based violence is pervasive with many cases being unknown/under-reported. Children, particularly, young and infants are among those most at risk for the negative effects of a conflict and they represent a significant portion of those who endure the devastating long-lasting consequences of disasters, including this current war with Russia.

In collaboration with Odessa Polytechnic National University, this joint project will examine the impact of the ongoing conflict on affected women and children, and identify current strategies being put in place by organisations tasked with safeguarding and working with these groups during this time. Odessa Polytechnic National University have experience in working with social projects under the programs of the IOM, the International Charitable Fund "Caritas Ukraine", the Charitable Fund "Caritas Odesa" (the circle of local "Caritas" can be expanded) with vulnerable segments of the population.

The proposed joint research project aims are:
1.To identify how the conflict with Russia has affected and continues to affect women and children of Ukraine and the effect increased levels of traumatic experiences and exposure to violence continues to have on their physical and mental wellbeing;
2. Evaluate the existing levels of support and services being provided to these vulnerable groups by dedicated governmental and non-governmental organisations and suggest any post-conflict reconstruction solutions with an aim to promote the use of gender perspectives in the development of policy of the state and cities hosting these vulnerable population groups.
The project objectives are to:
-To assess the extent and impact of trauma exposure on women and children of conflict,
-To identify types of vulnerable groups,
-To determine the extent and scope of interventions, including any barriers and facilitators, readiness of the environment and society to "accept" new vulnerable population groups,
-Identify post -conflict strategies and solutions to support the reintegration and re-socialisation of women and children back into society.

The project will utilise a mixed method approach. Focus group interviews with the assistance and guidance of a dedicated licensed mental health therapist will be carried out with 60 vulnerable women and children.

An online survey of 200 professional in social services, NGO organisations, charitable foundations and volunteer organizations, individual volunteers will identify the interventions in place, including any barriers and facilitators of these. The online survey will be conducted anonymously, information about it will be distributed through Facebook and Instagram social networks, professional Viber groups (All-Ukrainian Association of Marketing, Management and Business Education, Viber groups and groups of other networks that support scientific research).

The follow up interviews (up to 30) will be conducted with up to 30 municipality strategic leaders responsible of strategy and social welfare planning. These leaders will include heads of units of local authorities - Odesa City Council, territorial united communities in Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kherson regions.