A women’s shelter for refugees in Poland fights for survival as anti-Ukrainian sentiment rises

KRAKOW, Poland (AP) — Nastya Podorozhnya, 29, was living in Poland when the war in Ukraine erupted. However, days before Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, she rushed back to Ukraine to assist her sister and nieces in escaping. Upon returning to Poland alongside a surge of refugees in the war's early days, she observed both the overwhelming support from Polish volunteers and the risk Ukrainian women accepted aid from strangers might become vulnerable to human traffickers.

This realization led her to establish Martynka, a helpline and support group for female Ukrainian refugees escaping gender-based violence. Today, Martynka operates from a modest two-bedroom apartment in central Krakow, hosting more than 100 women and children. They receive assistance in escaping abusive relationships, accessing medical care, psychological support, employment opportunities, and housing.

Podorozhnya recounted to The Associated Press in the shelter, "It often starts with me having tea in this very kitchen with the women, and they tell me what happened to them, and I say 'girl, same.'" As the organization grapples with dwindling funding and rising hostility toward Ukrainians, Martynka's shelter faces an uncertain future.

International donors have shifted their focus to other global crises, leaving the shelter struggling to maintain its services. The Polish government has also been reducing its support for Ukrainian refugees, citing that many have stabilized their situation.