Removing Barriers for Persons with Disabilities in Ukraine, One Stitch at a Time: Anastasiia's Story

Kyiv Region, Ukraine – “There is only one life, and it is worthwhile to do something that brings joy to you and the people around you.”

Anastasiia is a Ukrainian mother, former economist and breast cancer survivor. Her life-changing experiences battling cancer and enduring the ongoing war in Ukraine have provided her with clarity on what matters most to her.

Today, she owns a small studio in a village in Kyiv region where she creates clothes through her brand “Zhaha” that make life a little easier for those with unique needs, including persons with disabilities and the elderly.

According to international estimates, tens of thousands of people have lost limbs since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine. While the war has been devastating for the entire country, persons with disabilities – particularly veterans – face unique challenges and barriers.

“I have always wanted to make clothes and have my own business,” said Anastasiia. “This idea came to me when I saw my son's pants that could easily transform into shorts. I realized how such things can serve an important social mission and make life easier for persons with disabilities.”

Ruslan, a veteran with an amputated leg and Anastasiia's friend, is among her clients.

“I have several pairs of pants made by Anastasiia. I like everything: from functionality to design,” says Ruslan. “They are very comfortable to wear both with and without a prosthesis. It is easy to make adjustments or clean without needing to take off or roll up the pants, which is difficult to do, especially in winter, in a car or in public places.”

Anastasiia began her journey to social entrepreneurship during her treatment and recovery from breast cancer in 2021. At the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, her idea took on a new meaning: “I have a disability myself. And although it is not visible from the outside, the disease has affected me greatly internally. I realized that I have only one life and I need to quench my ‘thirst,’ because there will be no other time,” Anastasia says. “Hence the name of the brand – ‘Zhaha,’ the thirst for freedom, knowledge, adventure,” she adds.

“The main idea is to help veterans, but at the same time, the general public can wear these clothes too,” she explains. “They are eco-friendly, comfortable, and save space in your suitcase because pants can easily turn into shorts, and you always have two outfits in one.”

For Anastasiia, it is important that clients test the clothes and become co-creators of new designs. “I met Ruslan when we went to a rehabilitation centre in Kyiv together. I always ask him and others to share their feedback. I want them to tell me if it’s too tight, scratchy, or uncomfortable, because each case of amputation is unique and requires a personalized approach.”

In addition to items with detachable parts, Anastasiia develops other models. “We have shirts with magnets. They are very convenient for people with fine motor skills issues or for the elderly who have difficulty with buttons and zippers. There are also clothes for bedbound people. Adaptive clothes help give confidence and independence in their daily lives.”

As part of a micro-business support project funded by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through the German Development Bank (KfW), Anastasiia received a grant from IOM to purchase fabric and upgrade equipment in her workshop.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, IOM has supported over 900 micro and small businesses with financial grants, retaining 5,000 existing jobs and creating 3,000 new jobs.

Anastasiia plans to expand her business in the near future. She would like to hire a seamstress, improve marketing, launch advertising, and start using eco-friendly hemp fabric.  

This dream is rooted in her desire to help others. “Rural areas need industries, and local people need new knowledge and retraining. Now, I am looking for a seamstress and I'm even thinking of organizing courses myself, putting out an ad and inviting locals to come here for a training. I want to show people that anyone can make clothes: men, veterans, the elderly and persons with disabilities.”

Anastasiia and Ruslan also plan to create a non-governmental organization that will help make their community more inclusive and barrier-free, as well as support the reintegration of veterans into civilian life.

This story was written by Yuliia Homonets and edited by Amber Christino.