EEM doctoral candidate Ira Payosova was a key element in the September 10, 2014 program in which Ukrainian acclaimed music star and former Ukrainian Parliament Member, Ruslana Lyzhychko discussed the role of civil society in promoting peace via the Euromaidan movement in the internationally important conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Ms. Lyzhychko, who is known worldwide as “Ruslana," is an immensely popular singer who was the first artist coming out from the former Soviet Union to officially receive a platinum disc.
Ruslana is widely recognized as the most successful Ukrainian solo artist and was included in the top 10 most influential women of 2013 by Forbes magazine. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry honored her with the Woman of Courage Award in March 2014.
Ira assisted Ruslana during her trip to the United States, translated her address at a major event sponsored by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and helped to answer questions on the Euromaiden situation. The CSIS presentation made by Ruslana and Ira can be seen at the following link: http://csis.org/event/armchair-conversation-ruslana-lyzhychko
The Euromaidan movement, which began in November 2013, grew out of widespread citizen demand for more transparent and accountable government, and ultimately led to Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich fleeing the country. Ira has been very active in many aspects of the Euromaidan movement in the past year, helping to raise public awareness of the situation in Ukraine via the Internet, raising funds for refugees and traveling to Ukraine to provide clothing and other materials to several organizations.
