The photo project "Light in the Darkness. Women during the war." is about women of various professions and ages who survive, find themselves, change, and help others. The project was created by two photographers with Ukrainian roots but living in Denmark - Inna Stelmakh and Lena Riis.

The idea behind the project is to show the strength and resilience of women in the face of war. Despite the difficulties and challenges they face every day, these women continue to live their lives and find ways to make a difference. They are the light in the darkness.

The project consists of portraits of women from all walks of life - soldiers, doctors, journalists, volunteers, etc.
Each portrait is accompanied by a brief interview in which the woman shares her story. The photographers hope that the project will help to raise awareness of the role of women in the war and the challenges they face.

The final result is a series of beautiful and powerful portraits that show the strength and resilience of Ukrainian women.

Victoriya Miekhonoshyna, Irpin

Anastasiia Nesterova, Zhytomyr

Angelina Nesterova, Zhytomyr

Olena Tkachuk, Blahodatne, Kherson region

Lesya Voitenko, Zhytomyr

Olena Fedchenkova, Zhytomyr

Natalia Todorenko, Baranivka, Zhytomyr Region

Natalia Tkachuk, Blahodatne village, Kherson region

Anna Shatylo, Zhytomyr

Olena Zahorna, Irpin, Kyiv Region

Hanna Padalka, Kyiv

Inna Hordienko, Kyiv

Olena Sincha, Kyiv

Irina Holosna, Lviv

Anastasia Korol, Lviv

Yuliia Khomiak, Lviv

Tetiana Bohdanevych, Zhytomyr

Tatiana Humeniuk, Zhytomyr

Anastasia Liniichuk, Zhytomyr

Anastasia Serdiichuk, Zhytomyr

Raiisa Yuzyk, Chudniv, Zhytomyr Region

Inna Chumak, Chudniv, Zhytomyr region

Nataliia Polishchuk, Chudniv, Zhytomyr region

Iryna Zafran, Zhytomyr

Mariia Shevchenko, Zhytomyr

Olena Skrypnytska, Vasylkiv, Kyiv region

Larysa Starovoit, Kyiv

Iryna Gryban, Kyiv

Olga Rudiuk, Horenychi, Kyiv region

Svitlana Bilyk, Kyiv

Svitlana Nikonorova, Zhytomyr

Nadiia Krasivska, Lviv

Mariia Vergun, Lviv

Mariia Sozanska, Lviv

Inna Stelmakh is a portrait photographer based in Den- mark.Born in Ukraine and moved to Denmark in 2014. Wife and mother of three children. Studying photography in Media College Denmark, Viborg.Has been practising photography for more than 10 years, creating gripping images in both photos and videos. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, helped as a volunteer and through pictures.Inna is committed to telling the stories of those affected by the conflict in Ukraine, and to giving a voice to those who are often overlooked.

Lena Riis is an advertising and portrait photographer based in Herning.
Was born in Ukraine and moved to Denmark in 2006. Finished Media College Denmark, Viborg.
Since Russia invaded the territory of Ukraine, helps refu- gees and the Ukrainian army, photographs many events related to the war.
Through this project, Lena wants to show the problems of women that they face every day in the conditions of war, to tell their stories and how and what they are inspired by.