Awareness is the first step to change: what new data say about women’s leadership in Ukraine

To overcome the barrier, you need to see it first. And the fresh results of a joint study by Gradus Research and Biasless are talking about it: Ukrainian women are beginning to be more clearly aware of the presence of systemic restrictions for career growth – not only external but also internal. And this is a sign of a healthy obstacle recognition process that is critical to overcome inequality.

We really see an increase in the proportion of women who note the cases of discriminatory issues in interviews, lack of support on the way to management positions, or feel their own uncertainty. But this does not mean that the situation is deteriorating. This means that women are increasingly beginning to recognize inequality and say what has previously remained at the level of internal doubt. And it is especially clear to the younger generation – they are less tolerant to injustice, more open to conversation and expect changes. According to the study, 51% of women aged 18-24 indicated the experience of discrimination, 41% – at the fear of condemnation, another 41% – prejudice by society.

There are ambitions. It’s time to clear the path More than half of the respondents noted that they are ready for career growth and are interested in leadership roles.

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Almost 20% already have experience in traditionally “male” fields – IT, technical directions, logistics, emergency response. Another 84% estimate their potential as high or moderate in similar professions. But the real representation of women in top management still does not reflect it. And the main reason for this is not the lack of desire or qualification, but in the combination of internal barriers and external factors that these barriers reinforce.

Women often lower their own chances and suffer from a “self -escalation complex”. They tend to go for vacancies only when they are 100% sure of compliance. For comparison, men are submitted if 60% of criteria meet. This phenomenon has been confirmed by one international study. Its roots – in excessive perfectionism, self -esteem syndrome, fear of looking not competent enough. This is not a purely Ukrainian problem – it is characteristic of women even in countries with more developed systems of equality.

Awareness + support = growth 35% of women surveyed say they lack confidence, and 30% of courage and determination. Important: It’s not about the lack of ambitions. It is a need for an ecosystem that will support these ambitions and make their realization real. The older age group has key barriers to the combination of work and family (50%), lack of support from the employer (33%) and lack of opportunities for training (16%).

That is why it is so important to open a dialogue about discrimination – at the level of society, companies, teams. When the stories of women who have faced prejudice sound open, taboo disappears. When we see growth stories, they become a script that can be repeated. When there are women’s networks, mentoring programs and examples of vertical growth, a woman ceases to be a “exception” and becomes part of a new norm.

Not protectionism, but development infrastructure It is not about preferences for women, but about creating conditions where everyone has a chance to realize themselves. Business should not just wait for a “perfect” candidate, but invest in creating opportunities:

Transparent growth criteria – So that confidence is not the prerogative of the loudest.
Mentoring and leadership programs – To help talent mature in the support environment.
Role models – not only in communications, but also in the involvement of women in strategic decisions, in managing directions, in participation in critical negotiations.
Open language – About challenges, about sexism, about barriers. After all, the conversation is the beginning of changes.

We are not talking about privileges. We are talking about justice. Women already have potential. They need the conditions for this potential to turn into a result.

Instead of the after -speech – about solidarity Nothing so strengthens confidence as an example. Women’s support for each other – through real cases, through partnership, through non -buckling is another way that allows you to overcome the fear of change and punch the inner ceiling. Each has its own. But it is easier to punch her when you know: others go nearby.

Yevgeny Bliznyuk, Sociology, CEO and founder of Gradus Research Research Company

Irina Rubis, founder Biasless, trainer with D & I

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