The lecture series offers a multidisciplinary perspective (Human Geography, Political Science, Pedagogics, Media studies, Gender Studies, Literature) on different fields and aspects of life in Ukraine with a special highlight on the impact of Russian invasion and war in Ukraine. The concept of the lecture series is very similar to Ukrainian traditional social practice called “Vechornitsi” – evening gathering for leisure and communication. In the situation of blackouts (no electricity) in lots of Ukrainian cities these lecture series symbolically bring LIGHT on the continuing military aggression of the Russian Federation and the Ukrainian people's resistance and struggle. The lecture series are held in the framework of the Field of Excellence “Dimensions of Europeanisation" and open to all interested participants.
Dr. Olena Kharytonova, Fellow at the Center for Southeast European Studies and Institute of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and Criminology, University of Graz, and an Associate Professor at the Criminal Law Department, Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University (Kharkiv, Ukraine). Her academic and research interests are in the areas of criminal law, women’s rights, non-discrimination, gender based violence, human rights, human rights in times of conflict, conflict related sexual violence. Olena is OSCE Legal Expert, Program Expert «JusticeForAll» in USAID. A Member of the Association of Women’s Lawyers of Ukraine “JurFem”. A columnist of the Internet resource "Women are 50% of Ukraine's success".