In February 2022, war broke out in Ukraine. By January 2023, more than 7.9 million people had fled the country, with over a million Ukrainian refugees settling in Germany. In addition to the trauma of the invasion and the ongoing war in their homeland, those displaced by the conflict face the challenge of building a new life in a foreign country. Language barriers and cultural differences can make communication and relationship building difficult, while experiences of marginalization can contribute to feelings of loneliness.

The GEZUMI self-help groups in Berlin, Halle (Saale), and Frankfurt (Oder) offer Ukrainian women a place to meet, share their experiences, and support each other as they adjust to life in Germany. The groups are structured to foster meaningful relationships and encourage participants to draw on their own resilience through empowerment and strength-based healing approaches.

As part of the initiative to support migrant women and refugees from Ukraine, the GEZUMI team also organizes open and free events. These events bring together residents, newcomers, and other communities through cultural evenings, exhibitions, film screenings, and live music. By creating opportunities for shared experiences, the GEZUMI events foster inclusive spaces and enable meaningful exchange between long-term residents and newcomers. Together, these activities strengthen social connections, promote well-being, and support the long-term inclusion of Ukrainian women within their new communities.