Exhibition tells stories of refugee women from Ukraine

04/21/2026

Photographs, videos and personal objects give a voice to refugee women from Ukraine: The exhibition "Stories of Flight and Arrival" can be seen at the University of Würzburg from 30 April 2026.

A picture from the exhibition "Geschichten der Flucht und der Ankunft". It tells the story of Ukrainian women. (Image: Kunstsammlungen und Museen Augsburg)

The exhibition was firstconceived and shown in Augsburg by Dr Tetyana Hoggan-Kloubert. Now it is coming to the Julius-Maximilians-Universität - first in the Audimax and then in the university atrium on Sanderring. It focuses on the individual lives of women who had to flee from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. "Guests can experience what it means to leave your home country from one day to the next," says Professor Helga Stopper, University Women's Representative. "Personal stories, pictures and objects make it clear how profoundly a flight changes the lives of those affected."

Special reference to the University of Würzburg

The exhibition comprises a total of 40 posters with images and text material, which are presented on display and hanging panels. The rest, as well as additional content such as documentary films and interviews, are accessible via screens. Stories of Flight and Arrival" is complemented by personal objects belonging to individual women, which are displayed in showcases.

The participation of Nataliia Lazebna, a research associate at the university, creates a special link to JMU. She herself had to flee from her former university location in Zaporizhia, Ukraine, and now works on projects with close links to Ukraine. These include hybrid teaching and cooperation formats that involve students in Ukraine - some of which are only a few kilometres away from the front line.

Lazebna was also involved in a project to promote the language skills and integration of refugee children and young people, which was developed in collaboration with the Office of the University Women's Representative. Her story is also made visible as part of the exhibition, including a report on her family that was produced in 2023.

Enabling solidarity and exchange

The exhibition was initiated by the Office of the University Women's Representative in collaboration with the Coordination Office for Diversity. The aim is to show solidarity with refugee women and give their voices space. "Many women arrive in Germany with just a suitcase and their children. Their individual stories are often lost in public perception," says Dr Tetyana Hoggan-Kloubert, academic director of the exhibition in Augsburg. "With the exhibition, we want to make these stories visible."

Various events are planned to accompany the exhibition, including guided tours and dialogue formats for students and university members. The aim is to use the exhibition as a place for dialogue and to address current issues of flight, migration and social participation. Further information on the programme and the exhibition can be found on the website of the University Women's Office.

The most important information about the exhibition in brief

Title: Geschichten der Flucht und der Ankunft

Location: Atrium of the New University, Sanderring 2, first floor

Period: 30 April 2026 to 26 June 2026

Visit: free of charge, the atrium is open to the public Monday to Thursday from 7:00 to 22:00 and Friday from 7:00 to 20:00 - the accompanying programme of events can be found on the website of the University Women's Office