Keeping a sense of agency is a way of fighting those who oppress you, a mother who fled Ukraine at the height of war has said.

This International Women’s Day, we are shining a light on the stories of those inspirational women who have travelled to Suffolk from overseas to make Ipswich their home.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February of 2022, it is estimated that over 6.5million people have fled the country – the majority of these being women and children, given that male citizens aged 18 to 60 are prevented from leaving, due to the legal regime of martial law.

One such woman is Rita Fadieieva. Rita chose to leave Kyiv in April of 2022.

This is an important distinction.

“Keeping a feeling of agency is always a way of fighting back,” she explained. “I decided when to leave and where to go. That helped me deal with what was going on. It felt like my decision.”

Rita is no stranger to fighting oppression. A psychotherapist, ten years ago Rita was a mental health volunteer during the Revolution of Dignity, when protestors filled Independence Square in central Kyiv for a three-month protest, demanding the president’s resignation and challenging human rights violations.

Ipswich Star: Rita Fadieieva, left, standing beside Maha Elnahhas, her colleague at Suffolk Refugee Support. Image: NewsquestRita Fadieieva, left, standing beside Maha Elnahhas, her colleague at Suffolk Refugee Support. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with President Volodymyr Zelensky at a signing ceremony during a visit to the Presidential Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine. Image: PAPrime Minister Rishi Sunak with President Volodymyr Zelensky at a signing ceremony during a visit to the Presidential Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine. Image: PA (Image: PA)Ipswich Star: Lt CDR Ivan Dolhykh alongside wreaths laid during a service to mark the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine at the Scottish National War Memorial, Edinburgh Castle. Image: PALt CDR Ivan Dolhykh alongside wreaths laid during a service to mark the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine at the Scottish National War Memorial, Edinburgh Castle. Image: PA (Image: PA)

With men prohibited from leaving Ukraine, the task of keeping their family safe and together has fallen on women.

“I felt responsible for my family,” It was up to me to say, ‘We’re going there, or we’re staying here. It was all on me.”

Rita, her mother and her three-year-old son spent a month in Romania, waiting for their UK visas to be processed under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

They then made the journey to Shotley, where they were welcomed by their “wonderful” host family, with whom they still keep in touch.

Rita now works for Suffolk Refugee Support in Ipswich, where she supports Ukrainians trying to build a life in Suffolk while the war continues to rage.

While she cannot predict where life will take her next, Rita is certain of one thing.

“I will be able to rely on myself, on my own resilience, to engage with life in a positive way,” she said.