Women, Peace and Security: 25 Years of UNSCR 1325,

This May, the MARTIN Club team participated in the international conference “Women, Peace and Security: 25 Years of UNSCR 1325,” held in Oslo, Norway. The event brought together international leaders, activists, and experts to reflect on the achievements and challenges in advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda, calling for continued support, recognition of women’s roles, and the strengthening of their influence in peacebuilding and security processes worldwide.

Anastasiia Pliushchova, MARTIN Club’s project manager, joined the panel discussion “Life Without Fear: Preventing Violence, Protecting Women’s Rights, and Fighting for Accountability and Justice.” She emphasized that since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian women have been bearing tremendous responsibilities—often acting as both parents, caregivers, and breadwinners—while lacking sufficient resources or institutional support.

She also drew attention to the rapid militarization of Ukrainian society, which increases risks of violence against women and exacerbates their vulnerability.

Following the main conference program, participants took part in a roundtable organized by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad). The discussion focused on the challenges faced by civil society organizations in conflict settings and during post-war recovery, highlighting the real needs of survivors which should remain central to the efforts of all stakeholders.

Together with Norwegian People’s Aid, MARTIN Club presented the outcomes of two and a half years of partnership, through which women in communities across Dnipropetrovsk oblast have received tangible support, strengthened their resilience, and navigated difficult life circumstances.

For us, this was more than just participation in an event—it was a way to carry the voices, truths, and strength of Ukrainian women to the places where decisions are made. And it was a reminder of the urgent need for continued support, recognition, and empowerment of women in peace and security processes in Ukraine and beyond.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be heard.

Photo by Ellen Johanne Jarli