Capturing the Journey: A Photographer's Two-Year Chronicle of Ukrainian Women's Lives

Within hours of the Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky declared martial law nationwide. This led to an ongoing defense operation and the mobilization of conscripts through a signed decree. Men aged 18-60 were prohibited from leaving Ukraine, resulting in mostly women and young children seen fleeing the country in news reports, often wrapped in blankets or accompanied by grandparents.

During the early stages of the conflict, British photographer Polly Braden, like many others, relied on TV and newspaper coverage to understand the situation. She noticed a connection between what she was witnessing and her own work. In a CNN interview, Braden mentioned her project about single parents ('Holding the Baby,' 2022) and how it made her think about the challenges faced by the women leaving Ukraine with children and elderly relatives.

Lena telling her mum she was offered a job. London, June 2022.

Lena telling her mum she was offered a job. London, June 2022.

Weeks after the initial reportage images were shown, Polly Braden traveled to Moldova, a country bordering Ukraine, to start a new series. She felt compelled to document the experiences of the women affected by the conflict. They were faced with the challenges of finding housing, schooling, and employment to start anew. These women were now refugees, leaving behind their previous lives as teachers, lawyers, and leaders in their communities. The project eventually evolved into an exhibition titled "Leaving Ukraine," currently showcased at the Foundling Museum in London.

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"It's crucial to capture images from the frontline and inside Ukraine, but we must also recognize the significant role women are playing in this war," said Braden, highlighting the importance of understanding women's contributions to the conflict. "Women in Ukraine have sacrificed their status to protect the future generations of their country."

Anya with baby Vavara — seen here at 10 hours old — at the Inflancka No6 Women’s Hospital in Warsaw on May 16, 2022.

Anya with baby Vavara — seen here at 10 hours old — at the Inflancka No6 Women’s Hospital in Warsaw on May 16, 2022.

Courtesy Polly Braden

Spanning two years, with the most recent image taken in early March 2024, "Leaving Ukraine" closely follows the stories of six women that Braden met during her travels to Moldova. These women include law graduate Lena, pregnant mother Anya, school friends Sofiia, Aliesia, and Yuliia, as well as Narine who left Ukraine with her children and a close friend.

Braden, aware of the project's broader impact, views "Leaving Ukraine" not only as a portrayal of these six women and their families but also as a reflection of the countries they have resettled in, such as Italy, Poland, and the UK. According to the most recent report from the UNHCR, Moldova has welcomed over 850,000 Ukrainian refugees and more than 120,000 third-country nationals since February 22, 2022. As of November 12, 2023, more than 113,000 individuals have chosen to remain in Moldova.

Narine with her son Valentine, 9. Chişinău, Moldova, March 2022.

Narine with her son Valentine, 9. Chişinău, Moldova, March 2022.

Polly Braden shared her thoughts on meeting people in a country and following them as they build a life there. However, she noted that none of the people she met had successfully settled in a new country and made it work. They had to move due to challenges like finding work, lack of housing, or difficulty getting their children into school. Some even ended up in rural areas of unfamiliar countries.

Phillip Pyle II, Forgotten Struggle #32, 2023. Archival inkjet print, 8.5 x 11 inches. From the series Forgotten Struggle, 2011–.

Phillip Pyle II, Forgotten Struggle #32, 2023. Archival inkjet print, 8.5 x 11 inches. From the series Forgotten Struggle, 2011-.

Phillip Pyle II

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When history is erased, what happens? An artist edited Civil Rights images to create an eerie effect. Braden describes the project as a collaborative effort, working closely with women to capture an intimate portrait of their new reality. She photographed Anya just hours after she gave birth, showcasing tender moments in homes, social spaces, and on public transport. Braden emphasized that the women have been sharing their own stories, with her simply behind the camera.

Yulia,16, in Byala, Bulgaria, the day before the family packed up to drive to Warsaw, June 2022.

Yulia,16, in Byala, Bulgaria, the day before the family packed up to drive to Warsaw, June 2022.

Lena, who Braden remembered as being frustrated with talking to journalists in Moldova, eventually moved in with her in London. During this time, they didn't take any photos together. Braden felt that taking photos at that time would have been intrusive, as they had developed a strong sense of trust. She viewed the opportunity to document Lena's new life as a privilege. Lena has since moved out, started a family, and Braden is aware of how the war has impacted their lives. She mentioned that Lena's child may grow up speaking Ukrainian, even though they are now part of an English-speaking family.

Elsewhere, the photographer has enjoyed working with three schoolgirls, one of whom is now studying film in Warsaw and used the project in her coursework. Sofiia, Aliesia, and Yuliia are young, optimistic, and full of life, wanting love and all the normal things young people desire.

Narine with her children Nicole (6) and Valentine (9). The family were preparing to leave Regina Pacis, Moldova, with their friend Yuliia looking out for a minibus that will drive them to Italy. March 2022.

Narine was getting ready to leave Regina Pacis, Moldova, with her children Nicole (6) and Valentine (9). Their friend Yuliia was helping them find a minibus that would take them to Italy in March 2022.

Braden initially hoped to bring some of the women back to Ukraine, but due to the ongoing war, this has not been possible. Instead, she realized that the series is focused on creating a new life in Europe and discovering new opportunities.

Similarly, by focusing on a small group of families and taking a long-term approach, Braden was able to tell more powerful stories. She emphasized the importance of looking at individual stories to ensure that policies are made with a clear understanding of the details.

Polly Braden’s exhibition “Leaving Ukraine” is on at the Foundling Museum in London until September 1, 2024.

Editor's P/S:

Polly Braden's "Leaving Ukraine" exhibition powerfully captures the experiences of women displaced by the ongoing conflict. Through intimate portraits and personal stories, Braden sheds light on the challenges and resilience of these women as they navigate displacement, rebuild their lives, and find new opportunities in foreign lands. The exhibition highlights the crucial role women play in conflict situations and the need to recognize their contributions beyond the headlines.

Braden's long-term approach and collaborative spirit with the women she photographs result in a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of their journeys. The exhibition offers a deeper understanding of the human toll of war and the complexities of displacement. By focusing on individual stories, "Leaving Ukraine" emphasizes the importance of tailored policies that consider the specific needs and experiences of those affected by conflict. The exhibition serves as a reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the need for continued support for refugees and displaced persons.