Training in first aid for women with disabilities and mothers of persons with disabilities

As part of a project implemented with technical support from UN Women in Ukraine and funding from the UN Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), we conducted an important and extremely practical training course on first aid skills for women with disabilities and mothers who care for persons with disabilities. The event was part of our work to strengthen the safety, self-organisation and resilience of women in communities, in line with the principle of "nothing about us without us".

During the training, participants learned how to act in critical situations: how to correctly assess the condition of an injured person, stop bleeding, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and help with injuries or loss of consciousness. Instructors from the Ukrainian Red Cross Society adapted practical exercises to different needs, ensuring full inclusiveness, accessibility, and safe conditions for participation.

For many women, this training was not only about skills — it was about confidence, a sense of empowerment, and mutual support. After all, the ability to respond quickly and correctly in emergency situations is an important part of personal safety, caring for one's family, and strengthening the role of women in the community.

We would like to thank all participants for their enthusiasm and trust, and the coaching team for their professionalism, empathy, and respect for the needs of each woman. Together, we are creating communities where everyone has the knowledge, support, and tools they need for their own safety and protection.

The initiative is being implemented by the Association of Families of Persons with Disabilities "Mother's Heart" as part of the project "Humanitarian Response and Recovery: Strengthening the Leadership of Women's Organisations with Disabilities", which is being implemented by the National Assembly of Persons with Disabilities of Ukraine with technical support from UN Women Ukraine / UN Women in Ukraine and with funding from the UN Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF). However, this does not mean that the views and content expressed during the training sessions are officially endorsed or recognised by the United Nations.

The UN Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) is a flexible and operational funding instrument that supports quality interventions to enhance the capacity of local women to prevent conflicts, respond to crises and emergencies, and harness key peacebuilding opportunities.

Photo by NGO "Mother's Heart"