Wars and conflicts increase the risk of trafficking, labour exploitation, discrimination and exclusion from economic opportunities. As governments, international institutions and private sector actors invest in Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction, these risks must be recognised and actively addressed.

Women are disproportionately affected by conflict, while also playing a crucial role in rebuilding communities, institutions and economies. How can recovery efforts create economic opportunities for women while preventing exploitation and strengthening human rights?

FOKUS - Forum for Women and Development invites you to the panel discussion"Recovery without Exploitation: Women's Rights in Ukraine's Reconstruction", featuring speakers from Ukraine and Norway.

Please register: Recovery without Exploitation: Women's Rights in Ukraine's Reconstruction – Fyll ut skjema

Opening remarks:

• Deputy minister Vegard Wennesland, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Fisheries

Panel participants include: 

• Olesia Bondar, Director, Ukrainian Women's Fund
• Olga Dunebabina, Strategic Communications Manager, La Strada Ukraine
• Beate Ekeløve-Slydal, Amnesty International Norway
• Liv Tørres, Head of International Department, LO
• Lorena Muñoz Carmona, Head of Humanitarian Partnerships, BRIGHT Products
• Jon Erik Høgberg, Group COO & client executive, Itera

The conversation will explore how governments, businesses, investors and civil society can contribute to a recovery process that is inclusive, gender-responsive and grounded in human rights.

Practical information

• Date: 31 August 2026
• Time: 11:30-12:45 (light lunch served from 11:00)
• Venue: Pressens Hus, Skippergata 24, Oslo
• Language: English

The event is part of the seminar From Presence to Power: Women's Role in Ukraine's Peace and Recovery, examining women's participation and influence in Ukraine's peace, recovery and reconstruction processes.

We look forward to welcoming you.