Like all charitable initiatives by Future for Ukraine, the GIDNA project was created to address the urgent needs of its beneficiaries — providing qualified psychological support to women affected by the consequences of war. Yet one of the most painful and socially important issues, the missing of loved ones during the war, requires broader attention. It is essential to recognize that ambiguous loss is a trauma that requires understanding and support.
In addition to offering psychological assistance to women whose relatives went missing or are held in captivity as a result of hostilities, the Future for Ukraine Foundation works to challenge social stigmas, foster empathy, and highlight that ambiguous loss, without proper psychological care, can be transmitted across generations.
The grant support received from the Askold and Dir Fund as a part of the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine — a Driver towards Reforms and Democracy project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia, funded by Norway and Sweden, makes possible the creation of a product that raises awareness, reduces stigma, and amplifies the voices of women living through ambiguous loss.
Anna Hrubaia, psychologist and curator of the GIDNA project.“Ambiguous loss is one of the most complex forms of trauma. A woman who experiences it needs psychological guidance and inner support. Yet many of them do not ask for help — due to social stigma, shame, or a sense that others’ pain might be more important than hers: ‘I have to cope on my own because others suffer more.’ In Western discourse, this topic is almost invisible — neither in the media nor in public narratives about Ukraine. Creating and disseminating visual content, running social media campaigns, and publishing in English-language media will help expand the project’s reach and strengthen the voices of Ukrainian women who need support,”
The English-language social video on the topic “Ambiguous Loss Is a Trauma”, to be produced with the grant funding, aims to:
- Create high-quality English-language content that explains the essence of ambiguous loss;
- Introduce the term “ambiguous loss” into public discourse in Ukraine and globally in the context of the consequences of russian war aggression;
- Amplify the voices of Ukrainian women affected by war in Ukraine and internationally.
The project was officially launched on November 1.
According to official statistics, almost 70,000 people in Ukraine are currently missing or held in captivity. Their mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters form a large part of society that is living with trauma and urgently needs qualified psychological support.
Olena Nikolaienko, President of FFU in the USA“Recognizing that ambiguous loss is a trauma — one that is rarely spoken about — can change how society perceives this experience. It will help women who have hesitated to seek psychological support take that step, knowing they will be understood and supported. In the long run, this recognition will bring the term ‘ambiguous loss’ into international dialogue and strengthen the voices of Ukrainian women in shaping mental health policies.”
Future for Ukraine expresses deep gratitude to the Askold and Dir Fund as a part of the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine — a Driver towards Reforms and Democracy project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia, funded by Norway and Sweden, for their trust and support in bringing vital initiatives to life.
This material was created by the charitable foundation Future for Ukraine with the support of the Askold and Dir Fund as a part of the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine — a Driver towards Reforms and Democracy project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia, funded by Norway and Sweden.
The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Future for Ukraine and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the Government of Norway, the Government of Sweden, and ISAR Ednannia.
