Anzhelika Bielova took part in the discussion “We, Displaced and Stateless Women: Leading Transformation to Shape a Peaceful Future.”

“I was a refugee. Now I am an internally displaced woman. I survived an attempt of femicide. But I don’t want to be seen as a victim. We are leaders. We transform our experiences into strength and leadership to help other women.”

The audience in New York responded with applause and waves of support to the words of our president, Anzhelika Bielova.

At the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, she took part in the discussion “We, Displaced and Stateless Women: Leading Transformation to Shape a Peaceful Future”. The event was organized by the UN Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund. The main message of Anzhelika’s speech was clear: the recovery of Ukraine is impossible without the participation of women. Without Roma women. Without those who have experienced war, loss, forced displacement, and despite everything, are ready to rebuild the country.

Women in Ukraine are not just those who have suffered from the war. They are leaders who, despite all challenges, are transforming their communities. But for these changes to become systemic, women must be involved in decision-making at all levels — from local communities to international platforms.

“I started with a team of 4 people. Now there are 44 of us. We have helped 106,000 people.”

These words of Anzhelika Bielova are not just statistics. They are the story of how women’s leadership is changing reality.

Last year, Anzhelika represented Roma women alone in New York at the 68th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women. This time, she arrived with four representatives from Roma organizations. And this is the result of the systematic work of our organization in advocacy. By giving one woman the opportunity, we open doors for many.

“We are shaping a new model of leadership: when women support each other, grow together, and fight for justice. Because without working together, we will not address the issues our community has been facing for decades,” said Anzhelika.

But without stable funding, this work is at risk. That’s why we urge international partners to support local women’s initiatives, as they are the ones changing lives here and now.

“The more our voices are heard, the more chances we have to change the situation in our community for the better. Over the past 10 years, dozens of women leaders have supported me to be here, in New York, on the international stage. Today, it’s my turn to share knowledge, opportunities, and provide a platform to do the same for other women,” added the president of Voice of Romni.

Together, we are here in the USA to remind everyone: the recovery of Ukraine must be just. And without women, it will not happen.