A refugee from Ukraine on March 8, three years ago, she left her homeland.

“I remember the day we left Ukraine three years ago. We crossed Romania, where we, the women, were given flowers. At first, we didn’t understand what was happening. When we found out that it was March 8, we were surprised because we thought that February, when the war began, was not over yet,” says Oleksandra Shvedova.

“I will never forget this March 8,” she adds.
Oleksandra is a 40-year-old mother of two children. Her family from Chernivtsi, in western Ukraine, found refuge in Slovenia. She still doesn’t understand why the war broke out, which forced them to leave their home. Now, they are settled, together with other Ukrainian refugees, in Debeli Rtić.

“Here, in Koper, you Slovenians also live next to Italians, you speak both languages, just as we used Ukrainian and Russian. Just as you probably cannot imagine how your neighbors attacked you, we did not expect anything like this,” she continues.

Shvedova left her homeland with her parents and two children – the youngest was barely five months old at that time. A year and a half later, her husband joined them.

However, her brother still remains in Ukraine. She lost a cousin and many friends in the war, some of whom also became disabled.

“It is difficult when you look at what is happening at home and pray every morning that the day will come when all this will end. On the other hand, we also need to think about a new life. If for no other reason, then for the sake of children who have the right to their childhood,” Oleksandra reflects.

Many Ukrainian women today live abroad, where they take care of both their children and their husbands at the front. But there are also many female soldiers, doctors, nurses and other women who decided to stay in Ukraine and fight against the Russian aggressor.

“I am grateful to Slovenia for welcoming us so warmly. On Women’s Day, I want to thank all the teachers, educators, volunteers and other women who helped us in the most difficult moments,” Oleksandra emphasizes.

She is happy in our country, she wants to improve her Slovenian so that it will be easier to find a job. She wants to confirm her master’s degree in biochemistry and work in this field.

“I see Women’s Day as a celebration of opportunities, when women can be free. We are independent in all respects and decide our own destiny,” says Alexandra.

“If Russia had been led by a woman with common sense, this war probably wouldn’t have happened. And if Ukraine had a female president now, it would also have to resist the attackers,” she adds.