aiIn today’s world, it is important to stand together, help one another, and foster the human qualities that combat depression and negativity. This is the aim of an organization called Femina e.V., founded in 2010 in Germany, with its headquarters in the picturesque Harz region. The name “Femina” translates to “woman,” and the organization supports women of all backgrounds in their daily lives and paths to integration, providing a platform for exchange, development, and self-support. Importantly, everyone who is open to other cultures and willing to share—be they men, children, or seniors—is also welcome!

aiBefore February 2022 Femina e.V. organized language and computer courses, provided consultations for women entering entrepreneurship, assisted ladies with local authorities, offered interpreting services, and provided psychological support. We realized that sharing positive experiences motivated and inspired others, leading us to organize a series of meetings featuring women speakers who had navigated similar journeys of coming to a foreign country and finding their paths. Among our guests was an opera singer from Armenia now performing at the Hanover Opera House. These meetings fostered a sense of unity and hope.

aiRecognizing the need for women to express themselves, we launched a series of workshops where each woman, as an expert in her field, shared insights into her profession and offered practical exercises. We held workshops for children using a technique called “Sensoplastic,” and listened to success stories from several businesswomen who inspired us all.

aiWith the outbreak of war in Ukraine, many Ukrainian women joined our gatherings, and we welcomed them with open hearts. The first months were filled with tears and heart-wrenching stories. During this time, having a place to come together and share was crucial. These meetings gradually turned into weekly gatherings with several work groups forming.

aiIt is well-known that art and creative development play significant roles in promoting positive thinking and unity. In 2023, we launched several new projects for both children and adults.

aiSimultaneously, we developed other projects, such as “HarzerSingkids” and “Harzer Malkids,” focusing on singing and painting for children. While the kids were busy with these activities, their parents found opportunities as well, leading to the establishment of an adult choir under the guidance of Anna Dziubinska, a talented actress and singer from Kiev. The choir performed at various nursing homes in the region and at the town party in September. Many songs were of Ukrainian origin, bringing tears to the faces of local Ukrainians who came to listen and feel a sense of home. Alongside the choir, authentic Ukrainian dance performances were presented by talented dancer Yehor Boiko from Kharkiv.

aiOther activities for adults include dance courses specifically for women and contemporary dance classes for both adults and teenagers. Anna Makarevich, an enthusiastic dance teacher from Ukraine, trains a group of adults and teenagers and formed an ensemble called “Vilni,” meaning “Free” in Ukrainian, which also showcased their skills at the recent party. At just 18 years old, Anna demonstrates incredible drive and teaching talent, and we believe she has the potential to become a renowned professional trainer.

aiFemina e.V. organizes workshops on various subjects. Recently, our talented Tatiana Majstrishin conducted a painting workshop where participants created their own sunflower artworks. Another workshop focused on creating a traditional Ukrainian doll called “Motanka,” taught by two enthusiastic women from Ukraine. Each participant went home with a handmade doll. Additionally, a project called “City at Stones” was initiated, where town scenes are painted on stones to beautify the local environment, receiving support from local authorities. Another ongoing project is the “Wimmelbuch Clausthal-Zellerfeld” (Wordless Picture Book), led by Valeri Lefler, who has already created the first pages.

aiMany other courses are in progress, including German language courses, English for various purposes, and thematic evenings that aim to immerse participants in the atmosphere of the 1920s, reconstructing that bygone feeling and flair