Nina Potarska: Feminism, and Peacebuilding in Ukraine

Nina Potarska

Country of Origin: Ukraine

Main Focus: Women in Conflict Situations

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Nina Potarska, a Ukrainian feminist activist and researcher in exile, representing the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. For over a decade, Nina has been dedicated to human rights, gender equality, and peace building in Ukraine.

She also leads the Center for Social and Labour Research, focusing on social economic processes, labour rights, and protest movements. Nina's activism began in the streets, advocating for feminist causes and political participation. Her first major research was conducted in 2014, at the onset of the conflict in Ukraine. During this time, she focused on the everyday lives of women in conflict zones, which led to her detainment and subsequent defamation by Ukrainian security services.

Despite these challenges, she has remained steadfast in her mission, even applying to the European Court for Human Rights. Nina emphasizes the importance of gender-inclusive mediation, showing that involving women leads to more comprehensive and sustainable peace agreements. She argues for the inclusion of women's diverse experiences and voices in decision-making processes. Her projects have also highlighted the exhausting burden of unpaid reproductive labor on women, especially during times of conflict. A key part of Nina's work is supporting local grassroots organizations. She believes in empowering small, local groups rather than relying solely on large NGOs.

This approach has seen significant success, such as an organization she assisted growing from two young women to over 500 members within a decade. Nina's perspective is informed by her role in the global feminist movement, working through WILPF to link local issues to international advocacy. She stresses that women are not just victims of conflict, but active agents of change essential for sustainable peace. She continually seeks ways to integrate local needs and realities into broader, intersectional feminist agendas.

Her experience underscores the interconnected nature of global issues, arguing that ignoring the basic needs and realities of ordinary people undermines efforts for peace. Nina urges attention to the psychological resilience of communities and highlights the often overlooked work of women during conflict. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering dedication to advocacy, highlighting the importance of confronting historical injustices and fighting for a more equitable future.