Crafting Resilience in Times of War. Ukrainian Craftswomen in Displacement

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has had a profound impact on the country's population, including women artisans. Many have been forced to flee their homes, leaving behind their everyday lives, communities and crafting material. Despite the challenges of war and displacement, Ukrainian women artisans continue to practice their craft, expressing their creativity, resilience, sometimes resistance, connecting with their cultural heritage to preserve it.

Attend the presentation of a report produced by five Sciences Po master’s Students on the situation of Ukrainian women artisans in exile in France, Germany and Poland.

Welcome and Introductions by Sergei Guriev, Sciences Po Provost, Kent Davis-Packard, Women Forward International’s President and Executive Director (remotely), Kevin Gschwend, Director of Artisan Learning and Development at Nest (remotely), and Violette Toye, Sciences Po’s Gender Studies Programme General Secretary.

A Panel Discussion with:

• Céline Cantat, Lecturer at the Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po
• Maxime Forest, Senior Research Fellow, Sciences Po's Gender Studies Programme (PRESAGE), Lecturer at Sciences Po
• Nina Japaridze, Artisan, Founder of ETHNICA Shop
• Victoria Yakusha, Architect and Designer, Founder of Yakusha Design and Faina Design

Closing Remarks by Céline Schmitt, Head of External Relations and Spokesperson, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Paris.

The event will conclude with an exhibition of photos taken by the students in Germany and Poland.