Olesea Kolomiets ran a chocolate factory in Odesa, Ukraine, and has now launched a new business in Moldova. Photo: UN Women Moldova
Prior to Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Evghenia enjoyed a comfortable and secure life in the southern city of Mykolaiv. She shared her days with friends and her mother, while finding fulfilment in her work as an art teacher.
After her city faced relentless bombings, it became too dangerous for Evghenia to stay in her home. Together with her mother, Evghenia fled west, joining 113,000 other Ukrainian refugees in Moldova, the majority of whom are women and girls.
Upon arriving in Moldova, Evghenia was unsure of how to navigate the next steps in her life until she found the SheLeads Project, a training programme that offered 10-day courses in business and entrepreneurial skills. The courses, along with her work volunteering to teach arts and crafts classes to children at a refugee centre, inspired her to start her own art business in Moldova.
“During the course, I was taught how to start my business project in Moldova, how to make the necessary calculations, and draw up documents”, she said. “I learned about the opportunity to win a grant and decided to try to make my dream come true. I did it!”
After attending the courses, Evghenia said, “I gained the skills and courage to open my own art centre, and to share my passion for art with children in my new home.”
She works as a professional art teacher while launching Art Time Studio, a space where children can learn art skills and express themselves, which has also received support through a small grant from the SheLeads Project. While attending courses, Evghenia also received tailored psychological and mental health counselling conducted by the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society.
“My work is a hobby that I have been doing for many years. It is a place of comfort where I share my knowledge, skills, energy, joy and fulfilment”, she said. Of her work with refugee children in Moldova, she added, “The appearance of a smile on the face of a sad child gives me a dose of inspiration and fulfilment.”
SheLeads operates in six regions of Moldova and is implemented by UN Women through the Association for Business Formation and Development in partnership with the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, Casmed, and Everyone Contributes for Change, with financial support provided by the Government of Japan.
Evghenia is among 121 women who participated in the SheLeads Project from October to December 2023. Of those attendees, 88 women received mental health support services as part of the project, and 41 businesses have been launched as a result of the training.
Marina Sergheiciuc described how she created classroom resources, including personalized books to teach her kindergarten students in Ukraine. When she was forced to flee from the war, she also found the SheLeads Project in Moldova and was able to get back on her feet.
Through the program, Marina said, she was “able to acquire the necessary equipment to further develop my games and place them in groups on social media.”
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to put my ideas into practice”, she added.
Olesea Kolomiets, who ran a chocolate factory in Odesa, Ukraine, had a similar, if quite unique, story.
“In March 2022, I arrived in the Republic of Moldova and within 15 days, I had already reopened my business here, but I still couldn't fully find my place”, Olesea said. Through the SheLeads programme, she was able to take advantage of business opportunities in Moldova.
“I have acquired equipment to organize master classes and chocolate tastings for children and adults, both amateurs and professionals”, Olesea said. She became a member of the Sommeliers Association for Chocolate in Moldova and became the countr
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Summary of country programme
UN Women’s Moldova Strategic Note 2023–2027 aims to promote gender equality and women's empowerment across the country, giving special emphasis to the regions of Cahul and Ungheni. It addresses key challenges including disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and refugee crisis.
The programme prioritizes ending gender-based violence, enhancing women's political participation and promoting economic opportunities for women. Core approaches comprise legislative reforms, capacity-building for local institutions and community-level initiatives. The programme also emphasizes integrating gender perspectives in humanitarian responses to the Ukraine crisis.
Major partners encompass the Government of Moldova, local non-governmental organizations, and international organizations such as the UN Population Fund and UN Children’s Fund. These collaborations strengthen reach and effectiveness. Strategic Note direct funding supports initiatives including the National Strategy on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women, enhancing impacts on policy and at the grass roots.
