On November 5th in Kyiv, the Eighth Ukrainian Women’s Congress took place – an annual public platform dedicated to shaping gender equality policies.

This year, the event gathered hundreds of representatives from government, business, civil society organizations, and volunteers.

During panel discussions and speeches, participants focused on the social changes currently taking place in the country, discussing the female dimension of leadership, the role of women in politics, and the interaction between the state and business.

The Congress was opened by Olena Kondratiuk, Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and co-founder of the Ukrainian Women’s Congress.

«We dream of the future but want to envision it as real. We aim to discuss it constructively, considering all perspectives. That is why we gather for another Congress – to collaboratively develop an action plan to address challenges such as the demographic crisis, social inequality, financial literacy, security, the return of women who were forced to move abroad with their children, and shifts in state and business policies. Most importantly, we want to give momentum to a new direction for the gender movement – a forward-looking direction».

First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, also gave a welcoming address:

«Despite the war, the potential of women continues to grow, with women stepping into new roles and demonstrating new qualities. We must acknowledge that this potential often comes at a high price. Just this year, I have had the honor of meeting incredible women, including teachers, who have endured and continue to endure dramatic trials».

Victor Liakh, President of East Europe Foundation, also attended the Congress. In his remarks, he emphasized that today Ukrainian women are demonstrating leadership in innovation, implementing new approaches, and driving transformative change.

«A prime example: Ukraine recently celebrated our leadership in the UN e-Government rankings, where we are among the top five countries in terms of e-services and rank first in the e-Participation index. To me, these achievements are clear proof that women are driving innovation in Ukraine, as behind each of these accomplishments lies their work», noted Victor Liakh.

He highlighted that the majority of employees at East Europe Foundation are women. Furthermore, in the organization’s top management (approximately 10 people), most are also women.

According to Victor Liakh, gender equality should not only be declared but become a norm in every sphere of life – from education to politics, from business to family. Only in this way, with the full potential of both women and men unhampered by gender stereotypes, can the harmonious development of the country be ensured.

The Congress was organized with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and UN Women Ukraine, funded by the Governments of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, as well as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the EGAP Program implemented by East Europe Foundation with funding from Switzerland, the National Democratic Institute, and the Heinrich Böll Foundation, Kyiv-Ukraine Office.