Stories of Ukrainian Women Inspire Powerful Animation Urging Business Leaders to Hire Refugees

Today, Friday 24th February marks the one year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. 

In four weeks, the Tent Partnership for Refugees - a global network of over 300 companies committed to economically integrating refugees - and Shape History - London-based global social impact communications agency - have collaborated to spotlight the vital support needed for Ukrainians to rebuild their lives. 

‘To Whom It May Concern’ tells the collective story of countless Ukrainian women thriving before the outbreak of war; growing their careers, developing their skills, and articulating their hope to thrive once again. The short animated film, unveiled this week, calls on companies around the world to play their part in supporting The Sunflower Project, a Tent initiative launched last year, designed to create pathways for Ukrainian women to find employment. 

This week, the nonprofit also announced the Tent European Business Summit, which will bring together major companies from across Europe in Paris on June 19th to accelerate the economic integration of Ukrainian refugee women and other refugees in Europe. 

The animation was played on Thursday 23rd February in front of thousands gathered in Trafalgar Square for the United for Ukraine Vigil showing solidarity for the Ukrainian people; the ones who fight, the ones displaced, and the ones now lost. The event was co-hosted by Tent Partnership for Refugees (Tent), the US Embassy in London, and the Embassy of Ukraine.

Speakers included Dame Helen Mirren, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, and Tent founder and CEO of Chobani, Hamdi Ulukaya, with music from Ukrainian artists from around the world, including Eurovision Song Contest winner Jamala. 

Through a series of local London networks, and with Tent’s support, Shape History conducted interviews with several inspiring Ukrainian women who are now based in the UK and the Netherlands. Their experiences inspired the narrative, which they were adamant should not be about war, but rather spotlight the resilience and strength of Ukrainian women who were professionals, leaders, and parents, before they became refugees. 

In a commitment to authenticity, Tent and Shape History hired Ukrainian female illustrators based in Kyiv, who breathed life into the art direction, originally by creative Tony Nguyen. Their work in the most adverse conditions - experiencing city-wide blackouts throughout production – makes the four week turnaround of ‘To Whom It May Concern’ all the more remarkable. The illustrators drew on traditional Ukrainian painting styles such as Petrykivka and particularly sunflowers, whilst Ukrainian voice over artists were also commissioned to bring to life the narrative with an authentic tone. 

Ed Fletcher & Lauren Kay-Lambert, Shape History Co-MDs said “We’re wholly committed to co-design principles and elevating the voices of those directly impacted by social issues we work on. With that in mind, we’re incredibly proud to have consulted and employed Ukrainian women in the production of ‘To Whom It May Concern’, elevating its authenticity and resonance, and ultimately, creating more employment opportunities for women across Europe.”

“We are hugely grateful for Tent’s trust in us to convey the urgency of their message to global business - that Ukrainian women are able, skilled, ambitious people who want to provide for themselves and their families, and deserve opportunities to continue their professional livelihoods.”

Find out more about Tent and the Tent European Business Summit here.