Background

The escalation of the war in Ukraine has forced millions of people to flee their homes. Women and mothers are particularly affected, as they are often living alone, have lost contact with their networks, and face significant economic challenges. Minorities such as Roma and Jewish women, whose specific needs are often overlooked, are especially vulnerable in the context of the crisis.

Studies show that around one-third of refugee households in the European Union and in Moldova have at least one member who is affected by mental or psychosocial burdens such as stress, anxiety, or depression.

The Project

In cooperation with the Central Welfare Board of Jews in Germany (ZWST) and local partners, OlamAid is responding to the urgent humanitarian crisis resulting from the escalation of the war in Ukraine. The project takes a comprehensive, community-based approach to provide sustainable support to refugee women and mothers in Moldova, Poland, and Romania. The project strengthens psychological stability, promotes empowerment, and social participation – with a special focus on the cultural and social needs of Jewish and Roma women.

Key Activities

1. ‍Psychosocial Support
   OlamAid provides Psychosocial Support (PSS) and Psychological First Aid (PFA) for Ukrainian women in urban and rural areas of Moldova. In Chișinău, workshops for mothers and children create safe spaces for exchange and professional support. A mobile PFA team also reaches out to particularly vulnerable Roma women in refugee shelters and offers immediate help. PSS activities also take place directly within the community in Suceava, Romania, so that women can be supported in their familiar environment.
2. Mentoring and Community Resilience
   In Chișinău, a mentoring program connects Ukrainian Jewish women with local community members, promoting mutual support and cultural exchange. In Warsaw, inclusion activities strengthen the self-efficacy of Ukrainian women, enabling them to actively participate in social life.
3. Covering Basic Needs
   ‍Vulnerable Ukrainian Roma women in Moldova receive relief supplies and so-called Dignity Kits to meet their basic needs. In addition, they are specifically informed about government services in order to promote long-term support and well-being.
4. Capacity Building
   OlamAid strengthens professionals and local NGOs through training in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) to provide long-term support to refugee women and mothers and to reinforce local self-help.

The project is carried out in cooperation with the Central Welfare Board of Jews in Germany (ZWST) and our local partners and is funded by Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH).

Our local partners: JCC Krakow in Poland; Civic Rădăuți Association in Romania; Jewish Community of Moldova, MilleniuM Training and Development Institute and Tarna Rom in Moldova.