The application phase for the ReStart Mindset program, launched by Impact Force with the support of UN Women in Ukraine and funded by the United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), has officially concluded. The initiative aims to support women affected by war through enhancing mental health, personal and digital safety. This year, the program reached a national scale, receiving over 700 applications from women across all 24 regions of Ukraine, as well as from 18 countries where Ukrainian women reside under temporary protection.
The geographic scope is striking: applicants represent 143 localities—ranging from major cities to small towns. Among them, 306 are internally displaced women.
“These are more than just statistics. They are a signal. Women affected by war are actively seeking support, recovery, and tools to rebuild their lives confidently. We believe that the country’s recovery begins with supporting those who nurture communities and care for others. This program was created for them. The growing number of applications confirms the urgent need for such initiatives,” said Olga Diakova, Co-founder of Impact Force.
The ReStart Mindset program, which will run through October 2025, consists of three modules:
- Mental Health & Resilience
Participants undergo stress resilience diagnostics and practice breathing and meditation techniques, relaxation methods, and cognitive-behavioral skills training. These are conducted by psychologists and experts to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and stabilize emotional well-being. - Self-Defense & Assertiveness
The second module offers training in self-defense and assertiveness with elements of WenDo—a combination of physical and psychological techniques designed to boost women’s confidence and reinforce everyday safety skills. - Digital Security
This module includes an online course and workshops aimed at helping participants recognize digital threats, protect personal data, and navigate the internet safely.
The core mission of the program is to create a safe and supportive space for women, allowing them to regain psychological balance, develop essential safety skills, and build resilience for the post-crisis period.
In 2024, 80 participants from Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast completed the pilot version of the program. Over three months, more than 260 hours of practical sessions were held with 28 experts involved. Outcomes showed positive results: a 44% reduction in depressive symptoms, 34% improvement in sleep quality, and a 49% increase in stress resilience. Notably, 100% of participants reported enhanced self-esteem and readiness for professional development.
More about the program: https://theimpactforce.org/restartmindset/
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The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) with technical support of UN Women Ukraine. The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) mobilizes critical support for local and grassroots civil society organizations working on women, peace and security and humanitarian action. WPHF is a flexible and rapid financing mechanism supporting quality interventions designed to enhance the capacity of women to prevent conflict, respond to crises and emergencies, and seize key peacebuilding opportunities.
This material was prepared with the financial support of WPHF. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the United Nations.
The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) mobilizes critical support for local and grassroots civil society organizations working on women, peace and security and humanitarian action. WPHF is a flexible and rapid financing mechanism supporting quality interventions designed to enhance the capacity of women to prevent conflict, respond to crises and emergencies, and seize key peacebuilding opportunities.The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) with technical support of UN Women Ukraine. The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) mobilizes critical support for local and grassroots civil society organizations working on women, peace and security and humanitarian action. WPHF is a flexible and rapid financing mechanism supporting quality interventions designed to enhance the capacity of women to prevent conflict, respond to crises and emergencies, and seize key peacebuilding opportunities