Speaking from the capital Kyiv, which was the site of some of the deadliest attacks of the war last week, and after visiting the frontline region of Sumy, UN Women’s Representative in Ukraine, Sabine Freizer Gunes, described to UN News’s Nathalie Minard the emotional exhaustion and resilience she observed in Ukraine.
UN News: The situation for civilians in cities is dire, with shelling and air raid sirens sounding for prolonged periods. Could you describe your personal experience of living in a war zone?
Sabine Freizer Gunes, UN Women Representative in Ukraine: Living in Ukraine is challenging because UN officials are not permitted to bring their families. The war situation and attacks often happen at night, disrupting sleep and mental health. The uncertainty of what each night will bring is psychologically taxing.
UN News: You recently visited Sumy, near the eastern frontline. While many people have fled to safer areas, others remain. How are the UN and UN Women, along with partners, aiding them?
Sabine Freizer Gunes: Despite constant threats, Ukrainians in frontline communities continue their daily lives. UN Women collaborates with local rights organizations to provide women, especially elderly ones, with essential kits that are tailored to their needs, so they can remain in their homes. We also support various other initiatives beyond humanitarian aid, including cultural, legal, and psychosocial activities that foster recovery and development.
UN News: Can you share a story of a woman that particularly moved you?
Sabine Freizer Gunes: A recent conversation with six women representing different NGOs highlighted the value of space and normalcy for them. A retreat we organized for them in western Ukraine, away from the conflict, was instrumental to their well-being. The concept of providing a peaceful retreat whereby women could rest and connect was profoundly impactful.
UN News: Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, what are the most common impacts on women’s mental health you’ve observed?
Sabine Freizer Gunes: The war has a profound impact on the mental health of nearly everyone in Ukraine, and UN Women always includes a mental health component in our work. We’re providing training for women to fill roles traditionally held by men, such as bus drivers. Still, conflict-related sexual violence remains a significant challenge, with many cases unrecorded and survivors needing psychological support.
UN News: Do you see a rise in gender-based violence (GBV)? What are the specific mental health challenges faced by women survivors of conflict-related sexual violence; and how do you address them?
Sabine Freizer Gunes: Conflict-related sexual violence is a serious issue, with 484 documented cases, but it’s likely many more go unreported. Many survivors are detained individuals. The government has encouraged open discussion and seeking reparations for survivors, but funding cuts are significantly hindering our capacity to provide support to women and girls. This can lead to reduced services and shelters closing, deeply affecting those in need of safety and support.
Listen to the full interview:
Source: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2025/09/1165773
