On March 6th, on the eve of International Women’s Day, the Director of the Society,
War and Recovery Research Centre (SWRC), Dr Halyna Hrynyshyn, had the honour
of attending the annual celebration at the University of Worcester Business School.
The event served as a powerful platform for discussing modern leadership, the
creation of inclusive spaces, and the importance of professional growth through new
opportunities.
“As the Director of the Centre, I find the discussions on leadership rooted in
generosity and the ability to embrace new challenges to be deeply relevant to our
mission – supporting individuals navigating the aftermath of war and
displacement,” noted Dr Halyna Hrynyshyn.
A particularly emotional highlight of the programme was the presentation by Nicoleta
Cinpoes. Having visited Ukraine several times during the war, she shared profound
reflections on sanctuary, resilience, and unwavering solidarity. Her words resonated
deeply with the mission of the SWRC, while the familiar Ukrainian landscapes
featured in her presentation served as a poignant reminder of the vital international
support that continues to strengthen our communities.
The event also highlighted the critical frontline work of the West Mercia Rape &
Sexual Abuse Support Centre, including their upcoming Welsh Three Peaks charity
challenge – a crucial initiative dedicated to supporting survivors in the region.
It was also a great pleasure to reconnect with a Ukrainian colleague, Professor
Alevtyna Kudinova, and to share insights with leading representatives of the
academic community.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Helen Watts and the entire organising team for the
flawless execution of the event and the inspiring atmosphere. This experience has
brought renewed inspiration for the future projects of our Centre.

