Bravery Has No Gender: Oleksandra Matviichuk and the Relentless Power of Speaking Truth
- Aija Pope
- Apr 24
- 3 min read
At Baltic Boss Babes, we celebrate the women who aren’t afraid to stir the pot, rattle the system, and pour their whole heart into shaping a better world. And in our latest spotlight, we had the immense honor of meeting a woman who does exactly that—on the global stage, every single day.
Meet Oleksandra Matviichuk—a Ukrainian human rights lawyer, fearless war crimes documentarian, and living embodiment of unapologetic, purposeful activism. A woman who doesn't just talk about justice—she lives it, breathes it, and fights for it with every fiber of her being.
From humble beginnings in Ukraine to standing up to authoritarianism with unwavering conviction, Oleksandra’s journey reads like a history-shaping novel—with her as the fierce heroine at the center.
“Bravery has no gender.”
This isn’t a catchphrase for Oleksandra—it’s a lived reality. In a world where injustice often hides behind politics, power, and patriarchy, she has chosen the most difficult, gut-wrenching path: documenting war crimes, amplifying human suffering, and demanding international accountability for 11 years and counting.
We’re talking over 80,000 episodes of documented atrocities.
She’s been on the front lines—physically, emotionally, and morally—bearing witness to the unspeakable. And through it all, she refuses to go numb. She feels it all, deeply. As she says:
“I am strong enough to show my vulnerability.”
Tears, emotion, truth—they are not weaknesses. They are weapons. And Oleksandra wields them masterfully.
From Idealism to Action
As a child, Oleksandra met Soviet dissidents—men and women who dared to stand up to the regime. “People who say what they think and do what they say,” she recalls. That spark ignited a fire.
Later, as a young law student, she dreamed of a stable legal career with a side of social good. But reality hit hard. In Yanukovych’s Ukraine, speaking up meant being shut down—hard. She realized she couldn’t walk both paths. The activist in her won.
“I’ve never regretted choosing people over position.”
Power in Sisterhood
When asked for her one piece of advice to the next generation of fierce females, Oleksandra didn’t hesitate:
“Women must support women.”
Why? Because everything we have—our rights, our space, our voice—is fragile. One political shift, one regime, one war away from being ripped away. She saw it in Iran. She sees it in Russia. And she knows Ukraine is in the crosshairs every single day.
This isn’t just about gender. It’s about freedom. It’s about survival.
Freedom: More Than a Word
To Oleksandra, freedom isn’t about choosing between five kinds of cheese in a Western supermarket. It’s about being able to vote. To love. To speak. To live without fear.
In her words:
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”
We couldn’t agree more. It’s not inherited. It’s protected—day by day, act by act, choice by choice.
Ordinary People. Extraordinary Impact.
If you think you’re “just one person,” think again. Oleksandra reminds us that the power of people—not institutions—is what stops tanks, breaks propaganda, and rewrites history.
“Ordinary people fighting for their freedom are stronger than the second army in the world.”
Let that sink in.
You don’t need a cape to be a hero. You need guts, community, and the courage to speak up.
Baltic Boss Babes, Let’s Rise
We’re walking away from this conversation with a fire in our hearts and a deepened belief in the power of our voices.
Let’s never apologize for being emotional. Let’s never back down from being bold. Let’s always lift each other higher.
Thank you, Oleksandra, for showing us what it truly means to stand for something. To feel deeply and act boldly. To lead with love and fierce conviction.
You are the living definition of a Baltic Boss Babe.
🎧 Want more inspo? Tune in to the full episode to hear more from Oleksandra's incredible journey.
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