Matra Rule of Law Stories: Supporting domestic violence prevention in Ukraine

The Matra Rule of Law Training Programme is designed to strengthen institutional capacity in the field of rule of law within government organisations in Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. The programme is commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, while it is implemented by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. Since 2017, the programme is being delivered by a consortium consisting of the Netherlands Helsinki Committee, The Hague Academy for Local Governance, and Leiden University.

Each year, seven trainings are organised on various topics related to the rule of law, for instance Human Rights. Three participants from Ukraine took part in this training, and have since successfully carried out their Back Home Action Plan. This plan focused on reducing domestic violence through prevention, victim protection, and prosecution of perpetrators.

Despite the serious challenges of wartime, the participants have shown remarkable resilience and commitment. They designed comprehensive training modules and successfully delivered online trainings to over 2,000 legal practitioners, including judges, lawyers (attorneys) and others across Ukraine. One of the participants took on the role of trainer herself, amplifying the reach and impact of their work.

In addition to training, the group created an online brochure filled with links to relevant legislation, making legal resources more accessible to professionals addressing domestic violence. addressing domestic violence. The brochure was reviewed and approved by the Government Commissioner for Gender Equality Policy of Ukraine. The brochure was reviewed and approved by the Government Commissioner for Gender Equality Policy of Ukraine.

Turning ideas into action

When asked about the professional impact of the Matra Rule of Law Training Programme, judge Ganna Maina reflected, “The training improved my understanding of how to protect human rights in practice and how to turn ideas into action. Seeing how institutions operate in the Netherlands was both useful and inspiring. It also gave me the opportunity to meet inspiring colleagues, including those from Ukraine. Together, we have managed to do something very meaningful for our country during challenging times.”

The success of this group highlights the power of knowledge-sharing and cooperation, even under the most difficult circumstances. Their achievements stand as a testament to their dedication and the important role the programme plays in strengthening the rule of law in the participating countries.

Ganna Maina – Judge of The Samarivskiy City District Court of Dnipropetrovsk region
Valentyna Aleksandrova – Consultant of the Office of the Government Commissioner for Gender Equality Policy of Ukraine
Olga Ganzhelo – Assistant Judge at Odesa Appeal Court