USAID/Ukraine’s “New Pages of Ukrainian Heroism” campaign tells the stories of women who are making history, working behind the frontlines to support Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction. Follow the campaign @USAIDUkraine on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Yana Pekun is a consultant on gender equality and social inclusion working with USAID’s UNITY activity, which empowers young people to get involved in civic activities. She got involved in social issues early in life: at only 19 years old, Yana founded Dreamers, a charity organization devoted to supporting Ukrainian children. Today, Yana is just 27 years old, but she has already contributed to a large number of successful projects in civic activism, education, culture, and media. She has poured her heart and soul into each of them, and is particularly proud of an exhibition she organized in 2020 with Lviv Social Services to help survivors of domestic violence feel empowered to seek help.
Today, Yana lives in Lviv and works with both international and local organizations. She co-hosts the podcast "Mentalochka" on Radio SKOVORODA, a project implemented by Molodvizh, a civil society organization, with support from the United Nations Population Fund. The podcast helps young people protect their mental health amid the stresses caused by Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
“My work helps me survive the war, and I see the results of our struggle every day," says Yana.
"I work with young people and organizations, helping to build a system for preventing and combating domestic and gender-based violence. I advise [youth-led organizations] on issues related to safety, accessibility, and respect for diversity. Also, while talking about mental health with psychologist Oleksii Udovenko [co-host of the Mentalochka podcast], I not only rationally [work through] my traumatic experience of the war, but also help the country's youth take better care of their mental health.”
We asked Yana how she wants to be remembered by future generations of Ukrainians:
“Let them know that I believed in the invincibility of my country and cared not only about my own mental health, but also about the mental health of young people in times of war. Mental health in a crisis is very important, as well as a sense of security.”
Yana also shared her vision for Ukraine’s successful future. Unsurprisingly, given her background, her vision focuses on inclusion and tolerance:
“This is a free country where human rights are respected and protected. A place where there are rules and respect for each other. At the same time, this does not prevent us from expressing ourselves and being ourselves. There is no corruption in this country, the law works, and people absolutely do not tolerate any kind of violence.”
“People here respect and value their culture and traditions,” she continues. “Here we are forever grateful to those who gave their lives for our freedom! My country is actually already like that!”
