Research Study on Adaptation and Needs of Women IDP's

RESEARCH STUDY ON ADAPTATION AND
NEEDS OF WOMEN IDPs

Methodology
Focus-groups discussionsMethodMethod
4 focus-groups discussionsQuantityQuantity
Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kherson, VinnytsiaGeographical locationsGeographical locations
 38 women IDP’s
 Aged 18 up to 77, average age– 39
 29 university educated, 7 – vocational education and 2 – complete secondary education
 11 are reportedly without children, remaining group has 1-3 children, 11-women have 1-2 family members
requiring care (perhaps of parents).
According to the information obtained at the focus groups (with an exception of Vinnytsia):
• All respondents (28 of age) registered as IDPs
• 21 of them is currently renting, 6 – paid housing provided by the government, 1 – cohabit with relatives
• 15 women received financial assistance in a form of clothing and food from NGO, 20 – received financial
assistance (in particular, from the government and NGO)
• 16 participated in different trainings held by NGO
• 10 receive assistance/interact with NGO at least once a month or once in a couple of months, 8 – once
semiannually or seldom, 10 – had no interaction with NGO
Target
audience
Target
audience
February 2016DatesDates

Key goals of the research study
• Identify areas and initiatives aimed at the improved adaption of IDPs, joint projects with
representatives of local communities, areas for potential assistance.
• Study the experience gained during the adaptation of women IDPs, their accomplishments and
existing challenges.
• Study the collaboration and assistance that women IDPs receive from the government and NGOs
• Identify future prospects for women IDPs, resources/assistance required to fulfill the vision
• Study gender aspects difference in adaptation among women and men

The majority of respondents were inclined to
reflection, realizing their life situation, they were
opened towards the information that might help
them improve their predicament, ready and
motivated to use the offered NGO assistance.
These respondents had an adequate and bilateral
communication.
•The majority of respondents who used NGO
services were activists.
•In Kharkiv and Dnipro as opposed to other focus-
groups, respondents could boast a significant
amount of time they spent with psychologists,
their feedback was positive as they considered the
physiological assistance both relevant, necessary
and beneficial
Part of the respondents could only complain at the numerous
challenges they faced as they were not capable of seeing the
opportunities and offers of help and support. They were self-
centered, without communication, the situation was
characterized by the respondents as «being in a cocoon»,
«being a victim» that the women had to be recovered from.
•According to participants, the respondents of this type make
the majority of women IDPs, and they require a special,
individual attention, special involvement of NGO. The category
of women IDPs is outlined by their inability to search for
information, they are not motivated to use the provided
information, they don’t believe in changes and improved life
situation.
•The focus group in Kherson had seen this trend heavily, a loss
in communication was observed, respondents didn’t answer to
questions posed by the moderator, however, they were sharing
their hurt
Discussion in the groups was very intense, accompanied by the emotional splashes and tension given that difficulties and challenges of
adaptation had been discussed at the focus groups as these issues are important and critical to the respondents. Respondents of one of the
focus groups were predominantly sharing their thoughts and experience as opposed to the other group. Kherson focus group was the most
emotional group of all: participants have been significantly dissatisfied with their life situation and were actively sharing this dissatisfaction
with others without rationally aware and seeing any possibility for a change, improvement in their life situation.

 Climate and nature of the city
 The city was selected as the
residence of relatives and friends of
women IDPs who are helping them
to find employment and housing:
they provide housing or help renting
it.
 Positive feedback about local
municipal employment center
implementing trainings and re-
trainings of IDPs.
 As opposed to other cities, Kherson has been
causing a particular outrage and accusations of
local authorities for being completely closed and
passive in helping IDPs.
 The city was reportedly ranked by the
respondents as the worst in terms of jobs
prospects and financial opportunities, having the
lowest wages. Respondents resented the fact that a
person would be remunerated UAH 1000 for a 14
hour work week without days off and the pay was
deemed as a norm.
 The city is small and industrially underdeveloped,
with a few to none opportunities to find a decently
remunerated job. A better paying job can only be
found through personal networking.
 A similar situation is observed with housing– housing
was rented by the majority of respondents based on
the recommendations, independent search would
lead to distrust and refusal of renters, subsequently
the issue improved.
AdvantagesAdvantages DisadvantagesDisadvantages
Kherson: adaptation, critical challenges, interaction with local authorities

 Big city with a lot of employment
prospects and opportunities.
 A new trend of employer’s
recognition for employees from
Donbass, of their competence and
willingness to find employees
among the IDPs.
 Natural and cultural resources:
Dniper river and historic part of the
city, however, respondents noted
that the city is poorly managed and
unkempt as opposed to.
 Work conditions are rigid and inflexible for
women with children:
• Extended working day was reportedly the
most popular issue, employers would ask their
employees to remain at work until 7-8 PM, which
is unacceptable for women with children.
• Respondents denoted how difficult it was in
some case to get sick leaves, in cases when a child
is sick– taking a sick leave is not well received and
an employee can be terminated for frequently
using sick leaves.
 Lower wages as opposed to Donetsk or Lugansk
Dnipro: adaptation, critical challenges, interaction with local authorities

 A big city with a lot of employment
opportunities
 Job prospects and carrier growth in
the city.
 Convenient public transit– subway.
A major portion of income should be spent on
housing (rent), it is a general trend for all cities
« It is unfortunate that we had to abandon a two room
apartment behind. Now we have to spend the money on the
rent while we could be spending it on our needs. We’re left
with a minimum to spend on ourselves. You can find a job
here, make money, however, the biggest chunk of your
paycheck goes to cover your rent.» (Kharkiv)
The city is underdeveloped as opposed to Donetsk
Lower wages as opposed to Donetsk and Lugansk
Kharkiv: adaptation, critical challenges, interaction with local authorities

 Comfortable, calm, welcoming city
 Historic city
 Excellent environment
 High unemployment
 Difficulties with employment
 If employed, you remain dissatisfied with your wage
as it is inadequate
Vinnytsia: adaptation, critical challenges, interaction with local authorities

 Respondents are favorable towards
new cities, however, they miss their
hometowns as they compare both
places regularly in addition to
recollections of how things were
better in their home town.
 The most critical issue was the discontinuation of
government financial assistance, respondents remain
resentful of the fact that no clear justification was
provided - may be IDPs are being investigated or it is due to
the lack of funding.
 Typical challenges outlined by the respondents , in the
focus-groups:
• Rented housing that eats up the biggest chunk of your
paycheck (a government program should be in place here,
compensations)
• Search for employment
• Adaptation problems of single women IDPs with children.
This is much more difficult for women, because women
earn less than men and for the maintenance of the family
they need to work more, and at the same time to take care
of children and elderly people.
• The city should offer more employment opportunities
with a decent pay as opposed to what’s currently
available.
All cities: adaptation, critical challenges, interaction with local authorities

 Identifying challenges in interaction between IDPs and local authorities, unclear, unregulated
policy, legislation and norms pertinent to IDPs.
 The challenge of excluding IDPs from voting at the local elections, inability to get a bank loan,
insurance.
 Respondents refer to the red tape they encounter while attempting to register some sort of a
certificate or claim benefits, conditions requiring to be in possession of a certificate issued by your
municipality that is impossible to obtain, various types of documents, proof of stamps at different
offices and etc..
 Challenges related to dissatisfactory operation of local authorities are not deemed distinctive
only for IDPs as it is a bigger issue that encompasses the overall operation of government offices
in the country.
 The respondents would often get an impression that they are not needed in their new cities as a
social group, and local authorities are not interested in their problems, the issue was less distinct
in Kharkiv and Dnipro, somewhat distinct in Vinnitsa, very distinct in Kherson.
«Local authorities in Kherson have been very inert, disorganized, they always receive a delayed
information, they are not eager to implement what has already been implemented in other cities. It is
difficult to reach out to them as they are closed to reception and disinterested in us and even can say–
«you didn’t not elect us and we owe you nothing.» (Kherson)
All cities: Challenges in interaction with local authorities

 With respect to gender-based aspects of adaption, women IDPs have definitely noted
that women are better adjusted to new, critical conditions:
• They begin job hunting rapidly
• Willing to work at low paying jobs
• Network better
• Opened to trainings, NGO workshops.
However, each case needs to be treated individually– according to respondents, it
predominantly depends on a personality and human qualities.
All interviewed can be divided by conditional four categories:
 Respondents who are positive towards changes , willing to change things for better–
optimists (single cases);
 Those who realistically view their situation and ready to take on challenges and
opportunities for development, looking for improvement– realists (majority);
 Women IDPs who lost a lot and view their current status as being very dissatisfactory, they
are very frustrated and upset– pessimists (majority);
 Respondents who are being in critical, uncertain, lost, emotional and unconfident state,
inadequately adapted to take on challenges– were in minority at the groups, however,
more of such women can be found in real life.
«I have met some decent people that I can communicate with and even solve respective problems.
This is a very positive thing. The rest of individuals are left in limbo.» (Dnipro)
All cities: gender-based and other aspects of adaptation

 IDPs interaction with local population is different– both positive and
negative, some people are ready to lend a helping hand, others are ignoring
them, being judgmental towards them and careless, prejudice has been
widespread.
 Some IDPs referred to people as being welcoming in the new cities and there
was an overall sense of ease felt around (Vinnytsia, Kharkiv, Dnipro),
however, respective respondents noted that some cultural and behavioral
patterns are worse as opposed to Donetsk (Kharkiv).
 The problems in question are no different from those outlined in the
previous focus-groups– where IDPs are being perceived as «foreigners»,
«Donetsk natives», more affluent. IDPs can sense various accusation with
ease: «why did you come», «its your fault», «you have to fight», «your
president», «Donetsk natives» etc.
How IDPs are being treated in local communities

 Kharkiv was distinguished among the other cities with the following:
• Top notch assistance and services for IDPs
• more developed infrastructure of government backed support for IDPs readiness of the
local authorities to tackle IDPs issues
 Generally, NGO performance is evaluated positively and considered essential
 Respondents have positively evaluated performance of NGO «Station Kharkiv».
Performance
evaluation,
attitude
Performance
evaluation,
attitude
 Respondents have positively outlined:
• Free healthcare services
• Friendly services provided to IDPs in public health facilities
• Expedited services, quality psychological and legal assistance
• Courses and trainings
• NGOs Interaction and coordination
 All respondents received food packages, clothing, household items, including
from the «Red Cross».
 Drawbacks include:
• Constraints associated with the receipt of assistance as it is solely available to
welfare beneficiaries
• Inadequate knowledge of how to receive the assistance, trainings
• Difficulties with employment after the training– «gave the fishing rod but didn’t
teach how to fish».
Kharkiv: received assistance, attitude, NGO performance evaluation, IDPs involvement
Provided
assistance
Provided
assistance
DrawbacksDrawbacks

 Respondents criticized NGO performance
• Assistance has been insufficient and aimed solely at the welfare beneficiaries
• corrupted organizations
• «Red Cross» was specifically accused as it is difficult for an average IDP to
receive any sort of assistance from the organization
Performance
evaluation,
attitude
Performance
evaluation,
attitude
 Individuals that are actually require the assistance– clothing, food – could not
receive it, we had to ask for it and find it– «literally fight for it».
 Minority of respondents were involved with NGOs as volunteers, employees or
regular visitors (3 persons)
 About 4 respondents wanted to open a business and intended to participate in
the mini-grants program
Dnipro: received assistance, attitude, NGO performance evaluation, IDPs involvement
Provided
assistance
Provided
assistance
IDPs
involvement
IDPs
involvement

 In Vinnytsia, situation related to NGO and provided assistance was not
covered, however, at the group (as it turned out later) NGO representatives
had been present
Performance
evaluation,
attitude
Performance
evaluation,
attitude
 In Vinnytsia, respondents commended its quality healthcare services,
accessibility and free of charge services, uncommon system of family doctors
 Respondents mentioned the fact that they received humanitarian assistance
several times (1-2 times, not all the participants) – clothing, household items,
some even managed to receive food packages.
• Some respondents noted that food packages are essential as the shortage of
money leads to being weeks without food.
 Others noted that NGO should teach IDPs how to make more money «to get a
fishing rod not the fish».
 An overall situation related to sufficiency or deficiency of assistance provided
by NGOs was not described.
Vinnytsia: received assistance, attitude, NGO performance evaluation, IDPs involvement
Provided
assistance
Provided
assistance

 Respondents have been actively discussing challenges in the area of NGO
 According to respondents, local authorities do not support NGO development in the city
and oblast, in particular, NGOs are not proactively engaged in the search for donors and
their resources are being somewhat constrained as opposed to other cities, for example,
Kharkiv or Dnipro.
 Activities held by “Crimea SOS” and “Red Cross” have been recognized as insufficient
 Respondents reported that NGO has been misusing humanitarian assistance– resale of the
assistance resulted in a scandal and shut down of the organization (CF «Sophia»).
 Respondents have been reportedly outraged with local authorities that imposed fees and
penalties on the donor that delivered the humanitarian assistance, it resulted in several
trucks leaving for another oblast that was more opened towards the collaboration.
 Women think that the assistance is not being distributed fair and openly as not everyone
receives it because each organization has its own inner circle who tend to receive more as
opposed to those who are in need and are being totally ignored.
• The respondents included single mothers with disabled children, mothers with multiple
children who never received or not always were able to receive the assistance, or they
were not informed of an opportunity to receive the available assistance (for example, free
clubs for children), or they were repeatedly refused to receive some sort of the assistance.
Performance
evaluation,
attitude
Performance
evaluation,
attitude
Kherson: received assistance, attitude, NGO performance evaluation, IDPs involvement

 With respect to the specific humanitarian assistance, respondents deem the following as
critical:
• Monthly government allowance
• UNDP and local government monetary assistance worth of UAH 1500 and 300
• Subsidies to buy school uniform for children
• Household assistance from the Canadian Foundation (dishes, pillows, blankets).
 Not all the respondents received the above mentioned assistance, some received one type of
assistance while others received the other, majority was surprised to learn of its availability
 The issue is predominantly found in a non transparent activity of the organizations and lack of
information on the assistance available to the respondents. They think if you don’t call or
make personal regular visits despite the refusals, organizations can’t offer you any type of
assistance
 Trainings:
• A portion of respondents have been trained in the employment center, some by NGOs while
others applied for mini grants (3 persons)
• Respondents who were proactively engaged in the activities of NGOs attended both
organizational and psychological trainings
 Difficulties in finding employment were considered as challenges linked to trainings and
retraining activities– the number of vacancies is limited or non existing or an employer is asking
for work experience, that being said, retraining can’t solve the employment issue.
Received
assistance
Received
assistance
Kherson: received assistance, attitude, NGO performance evaluation,
IDPs involvement

 In Kherson, respondents who established an initiative group on creation of NGOs attended
the focus group, their organization is currently being under the registration, the process is
suspended due to lack of funds.
 The initiative group "Rebirth of Hope" has requested local authorities, the deputies to
address the challenges encountered by IDPs as well as community problems.
 Respondents want to see the following in NGOs:
• Coordinated NGO efforts
• Established a single informational center encompassing all NGOs
• Establishing collaboration and networking with local authorities
• Active collaboration with donors
• Attracting other resources
• NGOs need to be actively engaged with IDPs, conveying information to each IDP
• Develop a single web-site and information bulletin
 Create the initiative group with a potential to initiate NGO and implement projects
IDPs
involvement
IDPs
involvement
Kherson: received assistance, attitude, NGO performance evaluation, IDPs involvement

Vinnytsia focus group was held earlier simultaneously with the one held in Kyiv and
Severodonetsk, participants in these groups spontaneously reported their needs and
areas of training/assistance, based on this information, the endeavor helped to generate
a list that was shared with the following focus groups. Focus groups held in Kharkiv,
Dnipro and Kherson were held afterwards, at the focus-groups, respondents were
offered the earlier prepared list for the discussion.
The willingness of respondents to discuss the proposed areas would depend on their
prior interaction with NGOs, participation in various assistance programs and reflection
of their own needs, openness to opportunities to change their lives. In the view of the
proposed, the willingness to grow and learn is being influenced by the reception of the
proposed areas, to expand their horizons, acquire new skills
In Kharkov, most respondents had a positive experience of cooperation with NGOs,
relations based on trust have been established with NGOs, therefore, the proposed areas
of assistance and training were perceived positively and drew attention.
Overview

In Dnipro, the group was somewhat less open, respondents had less experience of collaborating with
NGO in the area of training programs, experience with NGO was often unconstructive, so the
proposed areas were not perceived as a "a great success" because:
 Relations had no basic trust
 While there were experienced NGO activists who have had a different attitude - they were speaking
from the standpoint of service delivery rather than from their own needs
 The group included respondents interested in mini-grants and in further support
In Kherson, NGO sector had been significantly criticized, without adequate participation of
respondents in the training and mini-grant programs, discussions devoted to trainings and assistance
was restrained and skeptical, it was felt that the respondents were willing to work closely with NGOs
as they require better communication, training or other services, in addition there were a lot of
activists who have been trained as they sounded more like experts.
According to the analyst, it does not mean that respondents who were not trained can’t be involved,
it means that there is a need:
 work more on their motivation
 raise awareness
 create relationship of trust between organizations and women IDPs
Overview

Apart from NGO activists, minority of the respondents are willing to accept NGOs as a
platform or a club where they can meet their needs, however, this perception should be
conveyed to the majority.
The majority of respondents are not willing to see the opportunities offered by NGOs,
these same respondents are not always able to cope with the problems and improve their life
situation. There is a portion of respondents who are not able to realize their life situation and
work towards its improvement. Therefore, some of the respondents ideologically and
psychologically are not ready to change their life, consciously draining up the help to
improve their life situation.
Organizations need to work with an audience that is largely not aware of their needs, therefore,
it is not ready to use the services offered and it is a challenge for NGOs. This situation clearly
requires:
•psychological tools
•motivational tools
•strategy of engagement and communication, as most respondents will never directly say that
they need a psychologist or psychological training - direct questions do not work in such a case.
Majority of IDPs will not participate in the programs independently, they must be involved by force
Overview, recommendations

 In addition to training and re-training, it is important to help those who had already
been retrained in finding employment, offer the actual vacancy, internship. Those who
had been trained are individuals with "a fishing rod who can’t fish -similar to a junior
specialist who is often faced with the complexities of finding employment as mentioned
in Kherson and Dnipro.
 A labor market monitoring for prospective job offers. Respondents did not speak of this, however,
there is a need to hold an orientation workshop to help them understand the labor market
situation in cities - there is a request as to what employment to search for and where..
Psychological skills are critical for employment:
• How to communicate with an employer
• Know how to market yourself
• Independent job job search via communication
• resume writing
• interview etc.
Training/assistance components. Employment

Experienced respondents outlined the need in and importance of the skills:
"I had a training at the employment center and at the organization, I am ready
to undergo any training, however, what can you do if there are no available
vacancies? Why do I need to learn how to do manicure if it is offered around the
city, it would be much better if someone could hire me specifically"(Kherson)
"I’ve learnt how to use C1 accounting tool but I can’t find a job because I don’t
possess an adequate experience in this field, I’m not able to work on par with
others, it looks like the “fishing rod” I have been given is not working well for me
as I need more work related experience and employer who is willing to hire right
on the spot." (Dnipro)
"Sometimes it is important to be proactive, approach a hiring manger or
director to ask if they need an extra worker to join them but you need to have the
respective communication skills, thus you need to learn how to sell/present
yourself." (Kharkiv)
Training/assistance components. Employment

 Overall this component can be deemed as an effective and prospective, however,
it entails significant risks as entrepreneurs without adequate work experience
can’t build their personal projects.
«It’s a good opportunity to open your business, however, unexperienced entrepreneurs
would require a continuing support because one can easy get trapped with tax
authorities and get confused with tax reports. There is a lot of details that should be
accounted for the business to succeed» (Dnipro)
 Each focus groups comprised of 3 respondents who showed interest in entrepreneurship and
submitted their business plans for mini-grants, some of them have already been building a
project on their own.
 According to respondents, the following should be considered to succeed in personal business
venture:
• Comprehensive project support
• Continuing counseling, otherwise it will entails tax and accounting related issues leading to
the dissolution of the company
• Additional and repeated funding would be required at the respective phase (for example,
successful projects) or at least an opportunity to get a loan
Training/assistance components. Entrepreneurship

 In Khersin, a business project was not evaluated as it’s applicant exceeded the age
limit, she was 54 years old at the time, however, she was quite young, active
woman, and in her opinion, it was unfair condition - if people have the potential,
they should be given the opportunity to implement it despite of age.
 In Kharkiv, respondents reported the need in joint groups, training with local
entrepreneurs to find contacts, opportunities and relationships.
 Self-employment in the area of hand-made crafts is relevant for mothers who
care for children at home, important issues which require consultation:
• how to market themselves
• find customers
• whether to officially register with tax authorities
• may also need to find funding for materials, etc.
Training/assistance components. Entrepreneurship

 Clearly, it is an important and a key trend, at the same time it is least understood by
respondents as an important component.
• Most focus groups respondents responded to the offer and the possibility of psychological
assistance with uncertainty and ambiguous.
• At the same time, respondents who had previously interacted with a psychologist (Kharkiv)
were in positive favor of the component, even though they felt quite normal, the stress
was hidden and only interaction with a psychologist helped them realize their real
condition.
• Perhaps, it is a common situation, not only for IDPs but overall in the society - people are
not aware of the fact that they require psychological assistance, attending psychologist is
still not popular.
 In Vinnytsia, respondents suggested that the work with the psychologist is requisite and
useful but it is fairly uncommon as there are still certain emotional barriers to overcome. In
Dnipro and Kherson, it was important for respondents to be able to choose a psychologist
and a specialist to work with as they felt a certain degree of mistrust towards the
psychologists working in NGOs.
Training/assistance components. Psychological assistance,
Personal development

 The trend of groups indicates that respondents due to stress have a lot of unexpressed
negative emotions that are not being realized, it is not pronounced, thus its awareness and
expression is necessary.
 There are respondents who need assistance to rethink their life situation, to find a positive
way out of difficult situations. For example, in Kherson, there was a woman in the group
who was abandoned by her husband after she resettled, she remained with three children,
he does not want to talk to them, her internal condition was unstable. A grandmother-
pensioner who is forced to raise her grandson whose parents remained in Donetsk and she
feels that it is difficult for her to raise him as she is "an old and sick person, a disabled
person," as she is only 60 years - there have been cases where psychologist can assist but
these people do not seek any professional psychological assistance.
"Individually. That's right, it is difficult to live alone. At first, I needed some time to stay at
home. Afterwards, the person understand that he needs to go out and communicate.
Someone needs to hear a story of another person, that is equally crazy. And someone says:
"I don’t want to hear these stories as I want to move forward. Some experience challenges
living with teenagers on this background because you face it alone and yet there is teenager
by your side. "(Vinnytsia)
Training/assistance components. Psychological assistance,
Personal development

The current trend, however, it is aimed at the specific audience,
which is interested primarily for NGO activists
Some focus groups participants are activists possessing a basic
understanding of the NGO and are willing to learn more.
Proactive initiative group with drafted request - how to work with
donors and to raise funds, work with the audience, local authorities,
etc. – attended the focus group in Kherson.
Kharkiv had an idea to establish NGO that would provide social
services.
In Vinnytsia, representatives and heads of the newly established NGO
attended the focus group meeting, but they did not disclose their
needs in this area.
 Dnipro actively implemented projects for IDPs, representatives of
the newly established NGO attended the event
Training/assistance components. NGO activities

 According to the analyst, if we were to present information about an NGO, including as an
employment opportunity we have to understand that not all IDPs are ready to create their own
organizations, however, the information may be interesting to the majority of IDPs.
Information about the NGO should be spread as widely as possible not only at trainings but in the media,
since the sector is new and unfamiliar to most IDPs, as for Ukraine in whole
Information about NGO is need for local authorities in a sense that a wider information campaign would
be beneficial for informing all IDPs and parties involved in the solution of their problems.
«The activities of the center include the projects for the upcoming six months. We plan on holding trainings
and consultations for all proactive individuals and not only IDPs who are interested to know their rights,
work with various types of documents, understand legal aspects, so you would not say the following:
Gosh, I need a lawyer. You need to understand and read the documents, prioritize regulatory acts,
bylaws and etc. You need to know the programs and how to interact with local authorities, steps to
take to hold an advocacy campaign. And one more thing, the goal for all proactive individuals who
don’t want to fight alone and would like to join the group to get stronger and move forward together.
Facebook Profile. Module city has the respective ads. There are more ads available in “Help of Dnipro”.
You can get more information about us from the media, results of the activities that are being held, we
held two news-conferences covered by the media to share information with people, so they could join».
(Dnipro)
Training/assistance components. NGO activities

 Interaction with public authorities is one of the major challenges, including:
• lack of information on the rights of IDPs,
• changing legislation,
• unclear procedures (status, references, questions pertinent to the real estate, benefits)
and others.
 Respondents expressed the need for consulting and obtaining professional free legal
assistance. Competence and experience for a professional is a key in this area.
• In Kherson, respondents cited examples of unprofessional, ineffective assistance provided
by NGO
• In Dnipro, respondents reported the lack of legal assistance
• In Kharkiv, receiving the assistance from the NGO "Station Kharkiv" was a very positive
experience
Training/assistance components. Protection of rights

 NGO human rights protection component should include:
• Protecting IDPs rights at the community level
• Establishing constructive interaction and dialogue with the local authorities
that often times is not very sensitive towards the needs of IDPs
«There should be legal center operating with skilled lawyers as opposed to those who were
just called in to simply provide a counseling. It happens that you’re more knowledgeable
and versed on the subject than the lawyer himself as you took some time to delve in to the
matter. It is clear and obvious that lawyers are divided by the field of expertise. The lawyers
should understand IDPs legislation first and only then they can provide consultations. As it
turns out they put a person in a difficult situation as they tell them the wrong thing and he
person is being refused afterwards. And then the lawyers should justify by saying that they
are aware of general procedures only. And people have to pay money because of lawyers’
ignorance or they fail to submit something in a timely fashion. As a result, they are faced
with expenses to pay…» (Dnipro)
Training/assistance components. Protection of rights

 It is critical to raise IDPs awareness on the existing opportunities – all the opportunities that are
available in the city as it is critical to have leisure opportunities available for children “in the vicinity to
home”.
 There were incidents in the groups, when the respective IDPs knew of free clubs while others were not
aware of those and had unmet needs. Needs that should be met included:
• Athletic clubs, art classes are pretty much accessible
• English language classes
• Computer courses have not been mentioned by the respondents, however, it doesn’t mean that
it is irrelevant as the need is not well understood in the beginning
 Also, NGOs respondents-activists noted that parents tend to be lazy to have their children participate
in any of the clubs, even those that are free of charge, therefore, you need to motivate and encourage
parents too.
«I will share a story about the module town. We moved there in the beginning of the summer. I have
convened everyone, every child and hired a bus that will be taking kinds back and forth. Parents are lazy
enough to get children ready. I was the one to take the kids there. Then I gathered parents and asked
them to take turns as I can’t always do it myself as I have three kids and a baby myself– They agreed to
help but in fact no one did anything. The problem is not in children, its in their parents. As parents either
don’t have time or have other excuses.» (Dnipro)
Training/assistance components. Leisure for children

The component is critical for the most active and socially adapted respondents.
Respondents mentioned of the need to hold a positive informational campaign that would
portray IDPs as good, moral people, professionals, patriots and citizens of Ukraine, it is
necessary to influence public opinion through the media. The following ideas were suggested:
•arrange a holiday for miners, show the culture of Donbass, the value that parents,
grandparents cherished, special traditions (Kherson)
•hold joint training, educational activities, business sites, create an organization that would
provide services to all residents (Kharkiv, Kherson)
•hold charity fairs to raise funds for the needs of the city or social groups, festivals of hand-
made goods (Dnipro)
•festivals, exhibitions portraying experiences, skills and resources of IDPs for the city, their
patriotism, public standpoint, etc. (Vinnytsia)
Training/assistance component. Establishing understanding between IDPs and local population

 Respondents mentioned how they need rest, recreation, and cultural exchanges with other
regions.
• Health related components are vital - dental, medical examination and so on. After being
burden with stress the body and mind need some rest to rejuvenate. Women IDPs are
being overworked and struggle routinely, so these holiday destinations for travel are
critical.
• Some respondents mentioned driving lessons, specialized courses for physicians had been
mentioned repeatedly - in this case, the NGO could assume an advisory responsibility - to
help their clients to find the information they need.
 The issue of housing was raised by respondents separately as it is an important need that is
essential for IDPs, any available information on housing is important.
Training/assistance component. Establishing understanding between IDPs and local population

Contact information
Location:
Address: Ukraine, 04070, Kyiv, 8/5 Voloshska Street, office 228
Postal address: Kyiv, 04070, PO Box 92
Phone (+38-044) 537-33-76
Fax (+38-044) 463-58-68
Web-sites:
www.kiis.com.ua
Contact person:
Artem Myroshnychenko,
Head of the department for methods of qualitative research
E-mail: a.miroshnichenko@kiis.com.ua cell: 050 654 30 23
41

Research Study on Adaptation and Needs of Women IDP's

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