For many internally displaced persons (IDPs), Zhytomyr has become a new home — safe, cozy, and at the same time full of adaptation challenges.

Some are just getting to know the city, while others already have favorite routes, places for recreation, or work. Each moving story is unique, as the adaptation experience differs for women and men.

Some use public transport daily, some pay more attention to the safety of evening routes, and for others, it is important to find a convenient resting place on the way home.

The issues of comfort, accessibility, and safety are felt by everyone in their own way.

These aspects became the subject of discussion during the focus groups held within the project “Responsive Cities: Gender-Sensitive Planning for Ukrainian Cities,” in which Zhytomyr participated.

The goal of the project is to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of different groups of residents and contribute to making Ukrainian cities more convenient, safer, and inclusive.

How the Meetings Took Place in Zhytomyr

Four focus groups were held in the space of the Zhytomyr Community Foundation: two with women and two with men who have the status of internally displaced persons.

Participants filled out individual questionnaires and shared their experience of living in the new city: how they use transport, which places they consider comfortable and which they avoid, and what difficulties they encounter in daily life.

Topics raised during the discussions included: finding housing, employment, safety issues, the availability of shelters, and general well-being after relocation.

Key Observations

Positive aspects noted by the participants:

• Convenient transportation network and stable public transport schedule;

• A green, cozy city with favorite spaces — Hydropark, Shoduarsky Park, the embankment, libraries;

• Well-established work of utility services;

• Availability of employment opportunities (though often with low wages).

Challenges that require attention:

• Difficulties in finding housing and work with decent wages;

• Lack of public restrooms;

• The quality of public transport services being dependent on the human factor;

• Lack of information for newcomers regarding opportunities for assistance or consultations.

Next Steps

The results of the focus groups will serve as the basis for developing recommendations and creating guidelines for gender-sensitive planning of urban space.

These developments will help make Ukrainian cities more comfortable, safer, and friendly to the needs of all residents.

For Reference

The project is implemented by architect Nataliia Mysak within the framework of the Vidnova Lab program, created by Commit gGmbH with the financial support of the Robert Bosch Foundation.

Organizational support in Zhytomyr: CF “Zhytomyr Community Foundation” with the assistance of the National Network for Local Philanthropy Development and Global Giving within the framework of the “Resource Hub” project.