News

For four years, Ukraine has been resisting the Russian invasion. The consequences of the war are devastating—not only in terms of the high number of casualties, but also for the functioning of families. Many women were forced to leave their homeland suddenly and seek refuge in neighbouring countries, including Slovakia, to protect their lives and the lives of their children. The Institute for Research in Social Communication of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS) recently conducted qualitative research focusing on the situation of Ukrainian women who arrived in Slovakia after the outbreak of the war.

A relatively large number of them had already ended their marriages or partnerships while still in Ukraine. At the same time, war and life abroad often serve as catalysts for relationship breakdowns. Minimal contact between partners, combined with pre-existing difficulties, frequently leads to separation. “Some Ukrainian women report that during their stay in Slovakia, their husbands have formed new relationships or even started new families. Even those women who remain married effectively function as single mothers in Slovakia, as they bear full responsibility for childcare as well as financial and material provision,” explains Miroslav Popper from the Institute for Research in Social Communication of the SAS, one of the study’s authors.

The research, conducted within the APVV-23-0102 project, highlights several key findings. “Mothers unanimously describe their departure as sudden and involuntary. At first, they believed their stay abroad would last only a few weeks before returning home. Over time, however, this illusion faded, and their situation has turned into long-term displacement marked by persistent uncertainty,” says Popper.

In addition to displacement, many women experienced war-related trauma—whether through direct exposure to bombing or constant fear for loved ones. This trauma has been compounded by the challenges of adapting to a new country: social isolation, feelings of helplessness, and difficulties integrating. Most women report long-term

stress, a constant state of tension, vulnerability, feelings of loss, and symptoms of depression. Although some symptoms gradually diminish, the psychological burden remains significant.

“Initially, many Ukrainian women were able to rely on assistance from the Slovak state, NGOs, or temporary accommodation facilities. However, over time, they were forced to secure more permanent—and financially demanding—housing solutions,” Popper explains.

They work hard physically, are tired and exhausted

To provide for themselves and their children, many women have taken low-skilled and low-paid jobs—such as cleaners, gardeners, kitchen assistants, or manual labourers—that do not correspond to their original qualifications. They often perform physically demanding work, feel exhausted, and frequently work under short-term or repeatedly renewed contracts. In some cases, they lack health insurance or are required to work more hours than their contracts specify. Many must take multiple jobs to afford high rental costs.

“The price they pay is the limited time and energy they can devote to their children. There is little capacity left for requalification processes or courses that could enable them to access better employment. As a result, many find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle from which it is challenging to escape,” Popper notes.

Children come first

Despite limited financial resources, the women prioritise their children’s needs—education, extracurricular activities, clothing, and food—while placing their own needs aside. “Overall, it can be said that the role of the mother has become central to their lives. They know that their children can rely only on them, and this awareness gives them the strength to face ongoing challenges. As they overcome obstacles, their resilience grows. They describe becoming more responsible, more determined, and more persistent,” says Popper.

Some Ukrainian women have decided to settle permanently in Slovakia, while others plan to return home after the war. Many prioritise their children’s wishes—especially those who are already integrated into Slovak schools, have learned the language, and do not wish to return.

For some, returning is not even an option, as their homes have been destroyed. Others have stopped making long-term plans altogether, aware that their future remains uncertain and dependent on developments beyond their control.

Source: Miroslav Popper, Institute for Research in Social Communication of the SAS

Graphics: Natália Feriančeková