In the face of adversity caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Yuliia Zavalniuk, an enterprising Ukrainian, is utilizing her flower business to not only rebuild her livelihood but also bridge gender gaps and empower women in her community.
Before the invasion, Zavalniuk successfully operated a flower business in Kolonshchyna, Kyiv Oblast. However, the conflict led to the occupation of Kolonshchyna by Russian forces, resulting in substantial damage to the farm, including the loss of tens of thousands of flowers and crucial technical equipment. The estimated war-induced damages amounted to approximately 300,000 euros (USD 322,939).
Despite the challenges, Zavalniuk’s team resumed operations in July 2022, focusing on selling peonies and lilacs to local florists. The farm, spanning 4.5 hectares of arable land, currently employs up to six permanent workers, contributing to the local economy and supporting Kolonshchyna’s residents.
Zavalniuk is leading the transformation of her business by adopting the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), established by UN Women and the UN Global Compact. A key initiative involves providing employment opportunities for older women, with two older women farm workers hired annually in 2022 and 2023.
Participating in the Women’s Economic Empowerment Congress organized by UN Women in Ukraine, Zavalniuk shared her insights on rebuilding her business and the challenges faced during the wartime. Additionally, she engaged in training programs under UN Women’s “Empowerment of Women in Business” initiative, aiming to guide her business towards social responsibility and inclusivity.
Zavalniuk expressed her commitment to producing quality flowers, creating job opportunities, and promoting local production. She emphasized that empowering women is not just a business strategy but a crucial step toward the democratic development of Ukraine, highlighting the importance of shedding stereotypes to build partnerships with European countries. Zavalniuk’s dedication reflects her belief that a business transcends profit-making and carries a responsibility to address social issues, particularly during times of conflict.
