"Art of Resistance": A catalog for the exhibition "LOMIKAMIN. Women's Resistance in Crimea" was presented in Kyiv.

The “Sens” bookstore in Kyiv presented the catalog for the art exhibition “LOMIKAMIN. Women's Resistance in Crimea”, which is currently touring abroad.

This was reported by a correspondent from ZMINA.

Acting Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Olga Kurishko, reminded that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has intensified pressure on Ukrainian resistance, particularly by amending the criminal and administrative codes of the Russian Federation to impose penalties for the so-called “discrediting of the armed forces of the RF.”
The increase in resistance is also evidenced by new illegal administrative proceedings in the unlawful “courts” of the temporarily occupied territory (TOT) of Crimea under this article.

As of December 17, 2024, there have been 1,126 recorded cases of materials submitted under Article 20.3.3 of the Administrative Offenses Code of the RF to the so-called “courts” of the peninsula and other competent authorities. Out of these, in 993 cases, the illegal “judges” issued rulings imposing administrative fines or combined them with other cases under different articles, resulting in a cumulative decision. In 36 cases, the review of the materials is still ongoing.

By gender, 442 (45%) rulings were issued against women, and 550 (55%) against men. In total, the cumulative amount of fines imposed on Ukrainian citizens has already reached at least 26.4 million Russian rubles.

“Through this exhibition and its outcome – the catalog – we aimed to make the face of women's resistance in Crimea recognizable, so that the voices of brave and devoted women resisting occupation would be heard,” said Olga Kurishko.

During the presentation, a panel discussion was held on the various forms of women's resistance and their fight for the freedom and independence of Ukraine.

Sabine Fraser Gunes, a representative of UN Women in Ukraine, reminded that women in Ukraine have been an integral part of the resistance since the onset of the large-scale aggression by the Russian Federation. According to her, they operate at all levels – from local communities to governments and civil society, demonstrating their resilience and energy.

“This inspires and helps advance the principles of gender equality and women's empowerment not only in Ukraine but around the world. It is especially important that this catalog is dedicated to the women of Crimea, who continue to uphold their traditions, culture, and resist, despite all challenges, including detentions and imprisonments,” she said.

The curator of the exhibition “LOMIKAMIN. Women's Resistance in Crimea” and the creative director of the Ukrainian Institute, Tatyana Filevskaya, recalled that in 2024, the Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in Crimea, Tamila Tasheva, suggested meeting to discuss the exhibition on women's resistance in Crimea.

“I immediately agreed because this topic resonated with me. I wanted this female perspective on resistance to be highlighted for the broader public. We also learned about the resistance movement “Evil Mavka” – women in temporarily occupied territories who are resisting. It was important for me to present their stories at the exhibition, as it serves as significant support for them,” she shared.

The representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea also suggested exploring the historical roots of women's resistance, particularly through the stories of Lesya Ukrainka in Crimea.

“This helped understand whose shoulders we stand on today. Every detail of the catalog was created with great love,” she emphasized.

Artist and photographer Yulia Po shared that art has become a form of resistance for her against all forms of occupation, particularly the “occupation of narrative” and its “abduction.”

“I can convey to people in other countries what is happening, and on the other hand, I can tell people in Ukraine that there are individuals from Crimea who care and disagree with what is happening on their territory. My task is to convey the truth, to show that there are people who oppose the occupation and what has occurred in the Crimean peninsula,” she stated.

Tatyana Filevskaya explained that art is a powerful way to talk about the women who resist, as it allows for the storytelling of each individual’s experience.

“This is very important, as news, sociological studies, or generalized reports often speak in the language of abstractions and depersonalized facts. In contrast, art allows for a deeper understanding, experiencing, and feeling the story of an individual – their pain, fear, and hope. And when these stories find their place in the artistic space, they not only preserve memory but also create a connection with those on the front lines of this resistance,” – explained Tatyana Filevskaya.

People's Deputy from the “Voice” party, Tamila Tasheva, indicated that women's resistance in Ukraine has existed for centuries, and this has been particularly evident over the past 10 years since the occupation of Crimea began.

“Even under difficult conditions, women continue to fight for the release of political prisoners and advocate for their families' rights. It is remarkable that this resistance is often unnoticed or underestimated, although women often demonstrate determination and courage even more than men. This is evident among human rights defenders working under repressive conditions and among women serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, on the front lines, not just in the rear. Such resistance, including women's participation in combat operations, proves that Crimea is Ukraine, and the role of women in this resistance is extremely important,” she emphasized.

The importance of women's solidarity and sisterhood was highlighted by Charlotte Khmelnytska, a captain and veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

“I became the commander of a drone unit and continue to fight against stereotypes regarding women's roles in war. And although the situation in military education is still complex, respect for women in the army is paramount. Sisterhood and mutual support among women help us endure all hardships and remain strong. I am convinced that these changes in attitudes towards women and reforms in the army can ensure real progress. Therefore, it is crucial to focus not only on difficulties but also on achievements, as changes are already happening, and we must be part of these changes,” she shared, expressing hope that one day we will say: “Good morning, Berdiansk, good morning, liberated Crimea!”

During the event, a charity fundraising initiative was also presented, which the representation is conducting in collaboration with the “Return Alive” fund to protect Ukrainian air defense from Russian reconnaissance drones for the Southern Air Command. The representation explained that these forces provide defense not only for frontline cities but also for hundreds of kilometers along the front line, where battles for Ukraine's freedom take place daily. The total amount raised is 3.2 million hryvnias.

Earlier, the Crimean Human Rights Group called on Crimeans to send documents and other evidence confirming crimes committed in occupied Crimea.

The day before, the ZMINA Human Rights Center presented a guide “How Victims in Ukraine Can Be Heard by the International Criminal Court (ICC).” Previously, the Center for Civil Readiness developed, particularly for residents of occupied territories, an online course on the Prometeus platform “Chameleon. Avoiding Captivity and the Psychology of Survival in Captivity”.

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Recently, ZMINA reported that an electronic service “You are in Ukraine” has been launched for Ukrainians living in temporarily occupied territories: it provides safety and resistance instructions and access to quality VPN and secure browser.