Catch Em Young: Empowering Youth Voices:

Empowering Youth Voices: The Story of Iryna Periv

Iryna Periv, a 25-year-old from Lviv, is an experienced lawyer and a dedicated representative of Ukraine's vibrant youth who has been working with the Women's Perspective Centre for about two years on the "Women's New Horizons" project, supported by UN Women and Sweden. On International Youth Day, learn how Iryna is driving positive change through her activism and advocacy.

As a graduate student and a lecturer at the Institute of Law, Psychology, and Innovative Education at Lviv Polytechnic National University, Iryna aspires to defend her dissertation and publish a book on the Ukrainian women's movement. She emphasizes the importance of research on the historical and legal aspects of these events, particularly on women who were abroad or in exile.

In her role as head of the Free Legal Aid Centre, Iryna, alongside her team, provides primary legal support to internally displaced women in the Lviv region. Her work also extends to providing legal education and support in various areas, such as confirming the deaths of individuals in occupied territories and acquiring residency status for displaced people.

Beyond her legal work, Iryna leads the public organization YARII, which protects human rights. She is also the co-founder of a social sewing studio that specializes in tailoring women's underwear, with proceeds supporting girls deprived of parental care.

Iryna's story is a powerful example of how young people are stepping up to shape society and make their voices heard. Despite the ongoing challenges in Ukraine, her commitment to promoting women's rights and gender equality remains unwavering.