Kateryna Rashevska is an Expert at the Regional Center for Human Rights, a member organisation of Human Rights House Crimea. Oleksandra Yefymenko photographed her in Kyiv, Ukraine, in July 2026.
Why did you become a human rights defender?
To be honest, I still don’t really position myself as a human rights defender. I usually say that I’m a lawyer. For me, human rights is more than just human rights. It’s about dignity, humanity, help, and justice.
It all probably started in my childhood. I had a keen sense of justice: when I saw something wrong, I couldn’t ignore it. Over time, I came to understand that every person deserves to have their rights protected – regardless of who they are. Today, working with children, I see that human rights is also about trust, support, and a person’s return to themselves after violence.
What is the essence of your work and what challenges do you face as a woman human rights defender?
At the international level, we represent the interests of children affected by war; we engage in advocacy and education.
For me, it’s important not only to record violations, but also to change systems – from legislation to international relations.
As for the challenges, human rights advocacy is less prone to sexism than politics or diplomacy, but stereotypes exist. Russian propaganda has also tried to discredit me because of my age and gender. However, I am convinced: it is important to see not a woman or a man, but a person. What matters is what you do and what impact your work has.
What is the current situation with human rights in Ukraine?
Almost 20% of Ukraine’s territory is under Russian control, and there are ongoing systematic human rights violations: repression, propaganda, lack of protection. At the same time, war challenges democracy.
Despite everything, Ukraine is moving towards the EU, participating in international processes and protecting human rights. Civil society plays a big role in this.
What developments would you like to see in Ukraine in 30 years?
I want to see Ukraine as a state of trust: in institutions, courts, and each other. A state committed to freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, not just in words.
It is important not to divide people based on war experience or origin. If we remain a united nation and see people first, human rights will become the foundation of the future. I am convinced that agreeing on what we disagree on is the first step toward such an important internal understanding for Ukraine’s future.
Do human rights still matter?
Human rights are exactly what Ukraine is fighting for now: not only for territories, but for a state governed by the rule of law, where human dignity matters. Without these values, all protection loses its meaning.
What is your motto as a human rights defender?
Being a human rights defender is to, first of all, see the person, the dignity of that person, and the unique experience.
About Portraits of Strength
Women human rights defenders (WHRDs) work to protect and advance freedoms while facing discrimination and stereotypes about their role and participation in society.
HRHF’s “Portraits of Strength” photography series honours the vital role that women play in defending human rights, and portrays women human rights defenders from across the Network of Human Rights Houses.
The exhibition, now in its fourth edition, shares portraits taken by local women photographers and tells the stories from WHRDs working on a variety of issues, including the documentation of human rights violations and alleged war crimes, rule of law, women’s rights, political prisoners, freedom of expression, and more.
Find out more here.
