A new phase of support focused on mental resilience, digital safety, and self-defence for women affected by the impact of war.
Women who have lived through the consequences of war remain one of the most underserved groups when it comes to mental health, personal safety, and digital security. Many face emotional exhaustion, instability, loss of faith in the future, and a weakened sense of safety — both physically and online. Meanwhile, access to quality psychological support and basic self-defence training remains limited. The “ReStart Mindset’” programme addresses these challenges by offering comprehensive support to help women recover and realise their potential in the post-crisis period.
Starting today, applications are open for the second wave of the “ReStart Mindset” programme. This initiative aims to strengthen mental resilience and enhance personal and digital safety for women affected by Russia’s war against Ukraine — including veterans, internally displaced women, returnees, and women from military families.
The initiative is delivered by Impact Force with technical support from UN Women in Ukraine and funding from the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) — a flexible, rapid funding tool that backs quality efforts to build local women’s capacity in conflict prevention, emergency response, and peacebuilding.
What “ReStart Mindset” offers
The programme is open to 100 Ukrainian women and will run from 1 July to the end of September 2025. It includes three interconnected learning modules. The first focuses on mental health and resilience. Participants will undergo physiological assessments and be introduced to breathing and meditation techniques, relaxation methods, and elements of cognitive behavioural therapy. They’ll work closely with psychologists and coaches to lower anxiety, improve sleep, and stabilise emotional wellbeing. The programme will conclude with an official closing ceremony to celebrate the achievements of all participants. Applications must be submitted by 27 June.
The second module offers self-defence and assertiveness training, incorporating WenDo techniques — a blend of physical and psychological methods aimed at boosting women’s confidence and safety skills in everyday life.
The third module is centred on digital security. It includes an online course and workshops to help women identify online risks, safeguard their personal data, and navigate the internet safely.
The goal is to create a safe space for recovery and growth, where every participant gains practical tools to support their mental wellbeing, develops healthy daily routines, and enhances their resilience and capacity to thrive.
Proven impact: how “ReStart Mindset” transforms lives
The first wave of the programme took place from February to May 2024, involving 80 women and 28 experts. Over 260 hours of work were delivered, resulting in a 44% reduction in symptoms of depression, a 34% improvement in sleep quality, and a 49% boost in stress resilience. Notably, 100% of participants reported increased self-confidence and readiness for career development.
The programme has proven to be an effective, non-medicated route to recovery — helping women not just regain balance, but build a new future. Now is the time to scale this initiative and extend its benefits to even more women.
“Women in Ukraine play a vital role in rebuilding their communities and the future of the country. The ‘ReStart Mindset’ programme is a powerful example of how targeted mental health support enables women to grow, realise their potential, and take leading roles in recovery efforts. UN Women is proud to support the second wave of this initiative alongside the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund,” said Sabine Fraser Güneş, UN Women Representative in Ukraine.
“‘ReStart Mindset’ is a space for recovery where women rediscover their resilience, confidence, and happiness. We’ve seen that combining mental support, physical stabilisation, and career opportunities produces real, lasting results. Our mission is not just to help now, but to create a foundation for long-term change in each participant’s life,” added Olga Diakova, co-founder of Impact Force.
Who can apply
We welcome applications from female veterans, military family members, displaced women, and returnees who have recently come back to Ukraine. Preference will be given to those living in war-affected regions and those seeking to build resilience, enhance safety skills, and prepare for new career opportunities.
Applications are open until 27 June. Registration form: https://wkf.ms/43qdRFu
Contact for enquiries: program@theimpactforce.org
The “ReStart Mindset” initiative is implemented by Impact Force with support from UN Women in Ukraine and funding from the UN Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) — a flexible, rapid funding mechanism supporting quality interventions that strengthen local women’s roles in conflict prevention, emergency response, and peacebuilding.
The Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund is the only global funding instrument dedicated solely to promoting women’s participation in peace, security, and humanitarian action. Governed by representatives from civil society, governments, and the UN, it is a multi-partner trust fund that mobilises urgently needed support for local, women-led organisations and collaborates with frontline women to build sustainable peace. Since 2016, WPHF has supported over 1,000 grassroots women’s organisations across 41 crisis-affected countries.