We talk about the contribution of public activists of Chernihiv Oblast to the implementation of the "Women" agenda. Peace. Security." Meet
Anna Nikolenko-Bayeva - head of the NGO "Association of Democratic Development", secretariat of the Coalition "Chernihivshchyna 1325".
Anna Nikolenko-Bayeva, together with the initiative group, created the NGO "Association of Democratic Development" in Chernihiv Oblast at the beginning of 2015. Since then, her team, numbering up to 30 activists, has implemented dozens of projects, not only in the region, but also in other regions of Ukraine. However, the purpose of the public organization remains unchanged – protection of women's rights, their support and self-realization in various spheres, development of the women's movement.
On the eve of the full-scale invasion, women's organizations of the region created the coalition "Women's Movement of Chernihiv Oblast". During the offensive of Russian troops, this cooperation was manifested in humanitarian aid to the communities of Chernihiv Oblast, support for the most vulnerable local residents. After all, the residents of the region at that time needed products, medicines, hygiene products, etc. That is why Mrs. Anna emphasizes that in wartime the strengthening and development of the women's movement becomes especially important. And it is important for women's organizations to cooperate, exchange experience, implement joint projects that strengthen both communities and public organizations and bring a synergistic effect.
Such functions are performed by the "Chernihivshchyna 1325" Coalition, which today unites state institutions, departments of the Regional State Administration, representatives of the security and defense sector, in particular, the department of the main inspection and observance of human rights of the National Police, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in the Chernihiv region, as well as public organizations, including women's and human rights organizations. The "Chernihivshchyna 1325" coalition has been operating since 2023. It currently has — 35 members. As the head of the "Association for Democratic Development", Anna Nikolenko-Bayeva heads the secretariat of the coalition.
Coalition "Chernihivshchyna 1325" closely cooperates with state authorities of all levels and local self-government. Its regular meetings became a platform for analyzing the implementation of the Regional Action Plan 1325; strategic planning taking into account the needs of communities; strengthening of local public organizations and effective coordination of interaction between the state and public sectors", she emphasizes.
One of the achievements of the Chernihiv Oblast 1325 coalition is the establishment of close cooperation between public organizations, and as a result, the development and successful implementation of up to 10 coalition projects aimed at fulfilling the tasks and activities of the regional action plan 1325.
According to Ms. Anna, there are projects in which NGOs from different communities cooperate, and at the same time there are projects that involve authorities. For example, the project "Detection, prevention and response to security challenges in territorial communities of Chernihiv region", implemented by the NGO "Association of Democratic Development" in cooperation with the Main Department of the State Emergency Service in Chernihiv region. In the Ivanivka, Novobilouska and Kyiv communities, with the participation of the public and the authorities, relevant Action Plans were developed to identify, respond to and prevent security challenges, taking into account the gender and inclusive needs of women and girls, which is especially relevant during the war. Activities focused on the formation of skills to respond to the key security challenges for them were held in the communities. It is about training in mine action and pre-medical care.
Also, in the activities of the "Chernihivshchyna 1325" Coalition, it is worth highlighting training for representatives of NGOs and increasing the capacity of women's public organizations, especially in the communities of the Chernihiv region. During the coalition's activities, it was also possible to establish partnership cooperation with authorities that, within their competence, help implement public projects and initiatives. By the way, in 2024-2025, public organizations of Chernihiv Oblast, which are part of the coalition, attracted funding from communities for the implementation of the regional action plan in the amount of more than UAH 29 million. 
It is about the creation of public spaces, support for vulnerable categories of the population, psychological assistance to community residents, organization of media literacy training, etc.
Coalition "Chernihivshchyna 1325" is not only a space of interaction and effective cooperation, but also a way of close communication between representatives of the public sector and the authorities, exchange of experience, overcoming challenges and solving problematic issues in our region. It's about working continuously in communities. It is always about dialogue, the desire to listen and hear, openness, the importance of understanding, the search for common solutions and visions. After all, together we want to build a system that will make us stronger and more stable in a world of constant changes and threats. Involving women in decision-making to build peace and strengthen security in communities – is a fundamental issue. After all, only in such an inclusive way can the interests of everyone who is influenced and influenced by military actions be taken into account, - emphasizes Anna Nikolenko-Bayeva.
The publication was carried out within the framework of the communication campaign of regional coalitions 1325, which was supported Український Жіночий Фонд / Ukrainian Women's Fund
Фото - Ярослав Розмаріцин
