"I became a peacebuilder through fighting.”

Peacebuilding in times of war

-Anastasiia Dieieva-

OSCE Conference on combating of human trafficking (Vienna, Austria)

UNSCR 1325 presentation Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine

Year of Resilience of Ukraine Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group (Ottawa, Canada)

Women’s leadership workshop (Kharkiv, Ukraine)

Anastasiia Dieieva is a Ukrainian, an advocate for women’s leadership, a mother, a civil activist, and a Peace Practice Alliance alumna. As a governmental official, Anastasiia implemented the first comprehensive gender equality policy at the Ministry of Interior of Ukraine and created an innovative mechanism combating domestic violence (mobile tactical police units POLINA). As a national coordinator for empowerment of women, she launched an international movement to promote gender equality in Ukraine - HeForShe (supported by UN Women).  Anastasiia is currently CEO of Tokarev Foundation, a foundation focused on advancing Ukraine's technological infrastructure and fostering equal educational opportunities. In her decade of experience working for governmental institutions, NGOs and international organizations, Anastasiia has maintained a vision of hope, a commitment to women’s empowerment, and a practice of peace. We view Anastasiia as a peacebuilder and important changemaker in this world. We interviewed her in spring of 2024 to learn more about her journey, her current work, and her vision for Ukraine and the world.

Background

How did you find yourself involved in peacebuilding? Do you have an origin story or a moment when you saw your path in peace? 

My path to peace wasn’t peaceful at all. I had to learn how to become a fighter and stand up for myself first before I could empower and protect others. As a young woman working in an executive position in the government of Ukraine, I faced a high level of aggression and bullying. I was labeled with the most humiliating terms, and I had to earn respect through action. I had to work three times harder than my male counterparts simply because my path was laden with stigma and prejudice. However, I knew who I was, and I understood that the path I was paving would make it much easier for women to follow after me. Their experiences would be safer, and with each step, we were building a better future for women. 

I became a peacebuilder through fighting.

What was it that motivated you to become an agent of change, a peace leader?

Women’s mentorship group

I’ve never thought about one single reason or motive. I believe that many things depend on the context, your values, and your true desire to find a vocation aligned with those values. In my case, I feel blessed to be born in such a beautiful country that has much to offer to the world. However, there are many internal and external challenges in its way. So, I naturally navigated to where I could be most useful. At some point, it became apparent that many women in my community share the same passion and are ready to join the change. For me, being a changemaker means leading by personal example and, moreover, empowering future changemakers and leaders.

As you face challenges, what helps you move forward? 

One of the most challenging acceptances was that we live in an era of total uncertainty. We've excelled in scientific research, human rights advocacy, daily comfort, and creating the new realm of technological reality, yet we lack clarity on what the future holds for humanity. The Russian unprovoked war in Ukraine proved that it's not just theoretical; we literally cannot predict the next turn, let alone the end result. However, accepting this uncertainty has brought me new hope. How do I want to design the future? What can I do today so that my child can thrive in this unknown future? This is my commitment. Every day, I act in accordance with my values and strive for quality.

Current Work

What is your current area of work as a peacebuilder and leader?

CO 100% LIFE medical center opening with Sir Elton John

I have two very intertwined career paths: one as the CEO of the technological non-profit Tokarev Foundation, which helps build the tech future of Ukraine. We support and enhance the development of professional tech and STEM education in Ukraine, as well as strive to introduce technological solutions to help people overcome mental health disorders and challenges.
My second vocation is being a women’s mentor. I created a six-month mentoring journey for women affected by the stress of war, helping them rebuild their lives through the introduction of a meaningful community (which we call sisterhood), as well as one-on-one and group sessions on inner peace, leadership, career strategy, and self-presentation skills. Currently, there are Ukrainian women who were forced to flee from home and are based in 20 different countries, ranging from PhD neuroscientists, journalists, CEOs of logistic companies, to country directors of international organizations, mothers, artists, and more. 

I am dedicating my work to my country, Ukraine, but I know that the experiences we undergo will be valuable and applicable globally, so it’s just a matter of time.

What are you most proud of in terms of your peacebuilding work so far?

I live with an open wound, the war and the dying of my people is the most devastating experience. However, my work always gives me a light of hope and teaches me an important lesson. It teaches me to transform my pain into action. It motivates me to do better, be there, stand together, be creative, love stronger, and laugh through tears. As flowers grow through the cracks in the concrete, we regenerate and transform the grief into something full of life, even though this pain will always have a place in our hearts. 

I bring this knowledge in every project I create, every initiative I support, and every minute I dedicate my time. 

Practicing Peace

How would you define peace leadership and explain what it means to you?

I love how Kawtar el Alaoui, Canadian multi-award-winning writer, coach, facilitator, and speaker, talks about leadership: “The new leadership model is no longer about doing, it is about being.”

For me, peace leadership is compassionate leadership, the one where you start from the inner journey and you truly convey and lead by your very own values to contribute to the peace and well-being of the community you serve.

It’s interesting that with the ubiquitous globalization, modern people are becoming more and more disintegrated. I believe that now as never before we have to restore the bond and cultivate a sense of belonging in our local communities as well as shape a global network of allies who share the same vision of the future and values. We have all of the necessary means and tools, but the first step is to start from our own selves and calibrate the internal compass. 

What, if any, regular practices do you have to foster peace in yourself?

I am a very avid learner, constantly exploring new techniques, reading research, listening to podcasts, and conversing with the most prominent leaders and coaches in their fields. I always seek a formula that can sustain and multiply my level of internal peace, compassion, and raise my energy levels. Inner peace practices such as breathing, meditation, ice baths, journaling, and others that allow me to decompress when needed are integrated into my daily routine. They help me to be the most resourceful and deliver to the people I serve in my community.

Ukrainian women’s law enforcement delegation in Washington DC

An interpersonal peace practice I undoubtedly use is non-violent communication and deep listening. It has been a life changer for me as it creates a whole new quality of dialogue and helps me to hear the real needs and intentions of people, what they truly struggle with, and to respond based on empathy, not ego. I strive to live a life, both personally and professionally, where I do not feel the need to prove anything to anyone. I always remain humble and speak when I am asked. Because as much as I value the opinions of others, I also value myself and my unique internal gifts.

On a broader scale, I can mention my advocacy actions, as I genuinely believe that global peace requires global action.

What keeps you in this work and motivates you to continue?

The vision of the future.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in becoming a peace leader?

The journey into making an impact for others begins with oneself. How well do we know our values? How strong are our beliefs? Are we staying open-minded and open-hearted? Our inner compass needs permanent calibration. It helps shape our sense of purpose in life, which in turn helps us better understand the motives behind our desire to help others. Dr. Viktor Frankl, in his logotherapy - a theory about the special role of meaning in our lives which he developed after his own experiences in various Nazi concentration camps - found that by finding meaning and purpose, humans can cope with hardships and suffering. The good news is that there are many activities and knowledge that can help you better understand yourself and form a clearer vision of how your impact can manifest.

Your peace leader message to the world could be:

Let’s be role models, calibrate our inner compasses together, support one another in our growth, and work towards a world where peace is not just an ideal, but a lived reality.