Standing with Ukraine: Empowering Women Refugees to Rebuild Amid Crisis
Ukraine has faced profound challenges since the start of the full-scale war in February 2022, and as the conflict enters its fourth year in 2025, its toll continues to grow. Widespread displacement has left millions of Ukrainians in urgent need. According to the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, 12.7 million people require multisectoral humanitarian assistance, including 3.7 million displaced within Ukraine. There are currently 6.7 million Ukrainian refugees seeking safety abroad, with 6.2 million scattered across Europe.?
The burden of this displacement falls disproportionately on women and children, who make up 90% of those forced to flee their homes. These women face heightened risks of gender-based violence, trafficking, and economic instability while navigating the trauma of war and the challenges of building a future in foreign lands. Many are reliant on humanitarian aid due to the unpredictable security landscape, strained economic conditions, and a lack of livelihood opportunities.
At WAKE, we have long believed in the resilience of women to lead and rebuild in the face of adversity. This belief inspired us to launch our first-ever Tech2Empower program in Ukraine in 2015, providing training and resources to women leaders driving social change in their communities. Nearly a decade later, in 2023, we continued this commitment through Tech2Empower for Ukraine in Vilnius, Lithuania. There, skilled professional Advisors partnered with women-led organizations supporting Ukrainian refugees, helping them scale their efforts and refine technical systems. Together, they worked to amplify the impact of these organizations, enabling them to better serve their communities and meet the growing needs of Ukrainian refugees.
The Urgency of Action: Tech2Empower for Ukraine 2025
As we step into 2025, the need for collaboration and support has never been greater. From May 3-10, WAKE will host Tech2Empower for Ukraine 2025 in Vilnius, Lithuania. This program is designed to empower Ukrainian women refugees and the organizations supporting them as they rebuild their lives and communities. Advisors—skilled professionals from diverse industries—will provide mentorship, strategic guidance, and innovative solutions tailored to the needs of women navigating these difficult circumstances.
Why does this program matter now? Despite government-led recovery efforts inside Ukraine, millions remain reliant on humanitarian aid due to compromised infrastructure and the ripple effects of ongoing hostilities. For women refugees rebuilding their lives across Europe, including in the Baltics, the challenges are immense but not insurmountable. By partnering with organizations and leveraging expertise, Tech2Empower creates an ecosystem where resilience and innovation intersect, delivering meaningful, lasting support.?
"Tech2Empower has provided me the opportunity to become a better global human through collaborating, learning and gaining lifelong friendships, all focused on amplifying our allies' work - the global women-led work for social change." - Renee Lahti, Tech2Empower for Ukraine 2023 Advisor
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A Call to Action
The challenges faced by Ukrainian women and refugees demand a global response. As a Tech2Empower Advisor, you have the opportunity to use your skills to support women-led organizations working tirelessly to assist those affected by war. By joining the program, you’ll help these organizations strengthen their sustainability, scale their impact, and refine their technical systems, ensuring they can continue and expand their vital work.
Apply now to join our team in Vilnius this May—space is limited, so apply soon: bit.ly/t2e2025.
WAKE’s mission has always been rooted in collaboration and action, and as we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we are more committed than ever to standing with Ukraine. Now is the time to act. Join us in making a difference where it’s needed most.
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