Divochi Kryla: A Place for Ukrainian Women in the West Midlands

Group photograph of women at the first Divochi Kryla gathering

Leaving your home country often means being far from friends — the ones you’d call after a hard day, text “Coffee? I need to talk”, share a secret with or simply chat about anything and everything.

Finding that circle again takes time. Between work, children and building a life almost from scratch, there’s rarely an evening left for yourself.

That’s why we started Divochi Kryla (Дівочі Крила), a club for Ukrainian women in Birmingham. We meet to learn something new, swap ideas and spend time with women who understand where you’re coming from, without having to explain.

Our first evening

On 17 October 2026, we gathered at Bradford Court Business Centre for a practical make-up masterclass with Kristina Tamazlykar (@kristinatamazlykar on Instagram). It was a chance to learn, ask questions and share ideas.

Make-up workshop at the first Divochi KRYLA gathering in Birmingham

Over food, tea, coffee or a glass of champagne, we got to know one another, exchanged stories and enjoyed time together.

Thank you, Kristina, and thank you to every woman who came.

Women together at the first Divochi Kryla gathering in Birmingham
Food and refreshments prepared for the first Divochi Kryla evening
Women enjoying refreshments together at Divochi Kryla
Three women together at the first Divochi Kryla evening
Women sharing ideas during the first Divochi Kryla evening
Three participants together outside at Divochi Kryla

Every woman here brings something

Our first meeting showed us how many talented women we have around us, each with her own skills, interests and experience — and so many willing to share.

Women taking part in the first Divochi KRYLA gathering

So Divochi Kryla is built on exchange. Women can suggest topics, run masterclasses, present their businesses and share their skills. If you’ve ever wondered whether what you know is worth sharing, this is a good place to find out.

And if you’d rather just come, listen and enjoy the evening, you’re just as welcome.

What’s next

We want each evening to bring a new theme and an opportunity for another woman to share what she knows. Together, we’ll shape future gatherings around the interests, talents and ideas within our community.

Through these evenings, we’re building a safe, welcoming circle of support for women settling into life in the UK — somewhere to talk about everyday challenges, build confidence and find new opportunities through one another.

A moment together at Divochi KRYLA on 17 October 2026

Have a skill or business you’d like to share? We’re looking for hosts for future evenings. Write to us at info@kryla.uk.

Join us

Join us for our next meeting →

Come on your own or bring a friend.

New dates are announced at kryla.uk and on Instagram @kryla.uk.

Your next close friend might be sitting at the same table.

Divochi Kryla is an initiative by KRYLA CIC, a women-led community organisation supporting refugees and migrants in Birmingham and the West Midlands through connection, skills exchange and new opportunities.