The Role of Ukrainian Women-led Organisations in Humanitarian Action in Ukraine and Poland in 2022-2024

Data Collection

● Mapping of Ukrainian WLOs (both formal NGOs and informal initiatives) active in humanitarian response across Ukraine and Poland.● 65 in-depth interviews with women leaders of organizations from various locations in both countries.● Five focus group discussions (FGDs) with 22 organizations to analyze local humanitarian efforts, informal initiatives, and cross-border collaboration.● Desk research: Review of reports, studies, and documentation related to gendered humanitarian response, migration, and civil society in both countries.

Analysis Methods

● Transcripts coded using MAXQDA for systematic thematic analysis.● Comparative analysis of barriers and enablers faced by WLOs in different regions.● Identification of key trends in humanitarian leadership, advocacy, funding structures, and psychological support.

Sampling & Selection

● Organizations selected from diverse regions in Ukraine: frontline areas, liberated territories, host communities, and rural areas.● In Poland, WLOs were selected based on different operational focuses: general support, specialist services (GBV support, HIV patient aid, vocational training, etc.), and aid distribution to Ukraine.● Balanced mix of organizations established before and after February 2022, to capture evolving roles.

Study Limitations

● Evolving conflict limited access to some frontline and occupied regions.● Challenges in tracking informal initiatives, as some have disbanded due to lack of funding.● Short timeframe provides a snapshot rather than long-term assessment.