The Association has had a long and
distinguished history since its formation.
Over the last 50 years the Association
has developed its work in various fields:
charitable, cultural, educational and
political.
From the outset the aims of OUZ were to preserve Ukrainian language, culture,
traditions and heritage for a new
generation born here (GB). At the same
time OUZ provided welfare and
charitable support for the Ukrainian
community in GB.
Equally important was the dissemination
of information about everyday life in
Ukraine (USSR) pre 1991 - repression
and violation of human rights, religious
freedom and national rights.
There are local branches of the
Association throughout England and
Scotland. They vary in size but all
contribute towards the work of OUZ
financially as well as organising cultural
and political activities.
The most significant development of
recent times was the establishment of
the Ukrainian Children's Appeal Fund
in January 1990. The tragedy of
Chornobyl served to highlight an already
under resourced health system in Ukraine.
Hundreds of thousands of pounds have
been raised since 1990 to help not only
those affected by the Chornobyl disaster
but suffering and needy children
anywhere in Ukraine.
Clearly the Association of Ukrainian
Women has been a significant force
in the Ukrainian community in
Great Britain over its 50 years of its
existence. The range of work in which
its members have been involved enables the Association to look forward with
confidence to a new era, not only in
Great Britain but also in Ukraine.