Standing with Ukraine: Women, Resilience, and the Fight for Freedom

This event will feature the presentation of ARD journalist and former Kyiv correspondent Birgit Virnich's book, Life, Despite Everything: Courage, Humanity, and the Strength of Women in Ukraine, followed by a moderated discussion and audience Q&A.

While the story of Ukraine's resistance is often told through the lens of military strategy and geopolitics, this book shines a light on the women who are sustaining and defending their country beyond the front lines. Through their stories, we gain a deeper understanding of the resilience, determination, and courage that continue to define Ukraine's fight for freedom.

The discussion will bring together Birgit Virnich, Victoria Bandurko, one of the women featured in the book, and Canadian historian Andrew Fesiak as moderator. The program will also include a brief video message from renowned Canadian author Margaret Atwood, reflecting on the importance of supporting Ukraine and the critical role women have played throughout the war.

Programme:

15:30 – Doors open

16:00 – Welcome Remarks
H.E. Vera Alexander, Ambassador of Canada to Germany
H.E. Oleksii Makeiev, Ambassador of Ukraine to Germany (invited)

16:10 – Video Message
Featuring highlights from the Canada-Ukraine Foundation's 30th Anniversary Gala, including remarks by Margaret Atwood and H.E. Natalka Cmoc, Canada's Ambassador to Ukraine

16:15 – Book Presentation and Discussion
Birgit Virnich, ARD journalist and author
Victoria Bandurko, special guest from Ukraine
Moderated by Andrew Fesiak, Canadian historian

17:00 – Audience Q&A

17:15 – Networking Reception

18:00 – Event Concludes

Venue:
Embassy of Canada in Germany
Leipziger Platz 17
10117 Berlin 

Nur auf Einladung. Begrenzte Teilnehmerzahl.