The Story of Liudmyla
International Women's Day 2026

March 8, 2026

On this International Women’s Day, we take a moment to recognize that the fundamental act of living as a woman in today’s world is anything but simple. Crisis is not experienced equally, and in humanitarian settings, women and girls perform a balancing act, enduring higher risks to their safety and security while remaining central pillars of their families and communities.

We’re proud to partner with a number of organizations providing support to women around the world. Today, we shine the spotlight on the International Rescue Committee through the story of Liudmyla, a Ukrainian woman whose beloved local cafe became a casualty of war – and was brought back to life through grants from the IRC. In times of crisis, rebuilding efforts like these serve as the small, unseen actions that piece together broken neighborhoods, and help women return to their rightful place at the center of their communities.

A resident of Prybuz'ke, Ukraine, Liudmyla has been an entrepreneur for over 25 years. She ran a grocery shop and a bar in her village, both of which were popular among residents and people from nearby communities.

When the war began in February of 2022, her village was heavily shelled by artillery, rockets, and drones, and the entire population was evacuated. Liudmyla left with only a small bag, focusing entirely on the safety of her young granddaughter. During the evacuation, she learned that a missile had hit her café and completely destroyed it. She describes feeling devastated and says she cried every day for two weeks. Later, she found strength in knowing that no one had been injured.

Liudmyla stands framed by the empty window of her former grocery store and bar, destroyed during the full-scale invasion.

Upon returning to the village, Liudmyla saw the ruins of her former business but decided to act. She still owned another building and recognized the need for groceries in the community, especially as people started coming back. She invested her own money to reopen a grocery store.

Later, she applied for a grant from the International Rescue Committee and the Center for Business Support, a local partner, and received $4,000. With this funding, she expanded the store and added a café — not a typical one, but a space specifically designed for children. The idea came from her granddaughter, who had no place to socialize, as schools and kindergartens were closed or destroyed, and all learning was happening online. Thanks to the grant, the children’s café is now open and offers local kids a place to gather and spend time together offline.

Liudmyla stands with her granddaughter in a multipurpose space adjoining her newly opened children’s café.

Liudmyla stands behind the counter of her newly opened children’s café, a beacon of hope and vital gathering space for the youth in her community – including her beloved granddaughter.

Learn more about the International Rescue Committee, and all of the nonprofit organizations we support, at our Charitable Giving page here.

All photos © International Rescue Committee and Marek Kowalczyk for the IRC