Supporting Ukrainian Women's Businesses this Rosh Hashanah

Pictured: Products from new Ukrainian businesses that PK is supporting

Over six months into the war in Ukraine, Project Kesher continues ongoing programs and emergency relief efforts, but focuses on supporting Ukrainian women’s businesses in the coming new year. High unemployment rates and an economy ravaged by war threaten the already vulnerable state of Ukrainian women’s financial stability and independence.

Millions of Ukrainian women have been uprooted by war with their families and many have started to temporarily rebuild their lives in European countries such as Bulgaria, Georgia, Hungary, and Germany. Project Kesher Ukraine’s Women’s Opportunity Fund has opened a call to support Ukrainian women starting and in some cases restarting their own businesses as they settle into their new communities. In one example, a new restaurant in Bulgaria that was opened by Ukrainian women, focuses on healthy eating. Their menu offers Ukrainian food and they play exclusively Ukrainian music. It has become an income provider to families and a community gathering place for refugees. A second business supported by Project Kesher features statement necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, in yellow and blue, for which 35% of profits go toward supporting the Ukrainian military forces. A third business organizes workshops for mothers and daughters to receive emotional and mental support as they adjust to their new lives.