Artivism for Equality: 39 Artworks Presented in Kyiv in Support of the “Women, Peace, and Security” Agend
39 paintings dedicated to promoting the “Women, Peace and Security” agenda were presented in Kyiv.
To advocate for the “Women, Peace and Security” agenda and explain key international documents and their implementation in practice, the language of art was used. Today, this approach is known as artivism. At the Ukrainian Women’s Fund, we believe it helps convey to society why Resolution 1325 and its sister resolutions matter, and how they shape our everyday lives.
The paintings were created in two stages.
The first 14 paintings, dedicated to UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and its sister resolutions, were created in October 2025 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Resolution. They were painted by distinguished ambassadors, representatives of state authorities, local self-government, international and civil society organisations, women veterans, survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), and family members of military personnel — people directly involved in advancing the “Women, Peace and Security” agenda.
The exhibition was on display for a month at the Government of Ukraine, after which it travelled to the regions. In early March, the paintings were also presented in New York during the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
Building on this advocacy initiative, the regions created an additional 25 paintings on the theme of “Women, Peace and Security”, reflecting the localisation of the National Action Plan 1325. Representatives of regional authorities, civil society, and families of military personnel participated in their creation.
Each painting reflects the pain and loss of war while also leaving space for hope, progress, and future aspirations. They highlight the role of women in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and recovery.
Women are not standing aside — they are working, supporting others, and shaping social processes, showing that a just and lasting peace is not possible without their participation and contribution.
The exhibition was organised by the Ukrainian Women’s Fund and the Government Commissioner for Gender Policy, with the support of the governments of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Canada.
