“In Kyiv, the conference and awarding ceremony of Ukraine’s first National Award “Leadership of Equal Opportunities” was concluded, which recognizes companies that purposefully build an environment for professional self-realization and growth of all their employees, regardless of gender. The event, initiated by the international community Women Leaders for Ukraine, gathered more than 250 leaders of business, the public sector, state structures and the military”, — write on: ua.news
In Kyiv, the conference and awarding ceremony of Ukraine’s first National Award “Leadership of Equal Opportunities” was concluded, which recognizes companies that purposefully build an environment for professional self-realization and growth of all their employees, regardless of gender. The event, initiated by the international community Women Leaders for Ukraine, gathered more than 250 leaders of business, the public sector, state structures and the military, who are rethinking the managerial culture of Ukraine.
“Women play a big role in the fight against Russian aggression. Women fight in the Armed Forces, women make political decisions. Women coordinate volunteer initiatives. Courage has no gender. But according to the World Economic Forum, it will take us 123 years to reach gender parity. This is a lot,” Oleksandra Matviychuk, Ukrainian human rights activist, head of the Center for Civil Liberties, laureate of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, said during her speech.
Competence instead of stereotypes
At the conference, the participants raised key issues: how to create a working environment where decisions and perspectives are determined by competence, not gender stereotypes and prejudices; how equal opportunities affect the economic stability of organizations and the country as a whole, especially during wartime; how to create trajectories of career growth, fair pay and professional development regardless of gender identity.
During a panel discussion dedicated to the vision of equal opportunities, well-known scientist Ella Libanova, director of the Institute of Demography and Social Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, outlined the global context: “Achieving gender equality at work takes time, measured in decades. This is an extremely long horizon. But Ukraine has a unique experience: during the war, women took on roles that were previously considered “male” – from managing businesses to serving in the Armed Forces. This social shift can become a catalyst for accelerating change.”
New rules of the game
Publicist and well-known journalist Vitaly Portnikov, laureate of the Taras Shevchenko National Prize, drew attention to social paradoxes: “In 2025, I hear that in Ukraine women do not apply for management positions, while in most European countries men no longer apply. In Scandinavian countries, most parliamentarians and heads of leading companies are women. And in Ukraine, women still find themselves in the role of “exception”. The world is rapidly changing in technology and international affairs. are right, but we are noticeably lagging behind precisely in key value topics.”
The founder of the Charitable Foundation and volunteer Serhii Prytula emphasized the role of the women’s rear in the fight against Russian aggression:
“Those who hold the country work in the rear, writing important documents for the community and coordinating volunteer initiatives. And today, the Ukrainian rear has a female face. After the victory, we must not forget who took responsibility in the most difficult moments.”
Change practices in business
Yuriy Sorochynskyi, CEO of Nemiroff, shared specific approaches and business practices: “We work in a hybrid format, which allows us to open up new opportunities for women. Young mothers are returning to work in remote mode, staying close to their children. Understanding the reality of the personnel crisis, we are open to such formats and supporting our female employees.”
The front changes the standards
Military officer Olena Apchel spoke about the transformation of military culture: “We are rethinking what the Ukrainian army is like and who a woman can be in it. It’s about the simplest values - solidarity and responsibility side by side.”
18 laureates of 2025
More than 150 companies submitted applications for participation in the National Award. The expert commission and the jury recognized 18 organizations for the systematic implementation of equal opportunities:
Equality policies and principles: Starlight Media (large business), MetLife (small and medium business)
Management balance: DXC Luxoft
Transformational leadership: Oschadbank
Career opportunities: SoftServe (large business), Scatec Ukraine (small and medium-sized business)
Educational leadership: Kharkiv National University of Urban Economy named after O.M. Beketova
Fair payment: National Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine
Continuous improvement: Octava Capital (large business), Mozaika (small and medium-sized business)
System support: Carlsberg Ukraine
Responding to the Challenges of War: Dobrobut Medical Network (big business), Miller Law Firm (small and medium business)
Adaptability and modernity: Capgemini Engineering Ukraine
Equal Opportunity Leadership in the Public Sector: Mercy Corps
Equal opportunity leadership in the military: military unit 3101 of the National Guard of Ukraine and combat unit A 7400 of the separate 225th Assault Regiment
The main distinction “Leadership of equal opportunities 2025” was awarded to the Aurora multimarket chain.
A foundation for future generations
The president of the Women Leaders for Ukraine community, Iryna Papusha, noted the importance of the initiative: “We started this award to make visible companies that systematically provide equal opportunities to their employees through rules, processes, management decisions and career growth. During the work on the project, we saw how many Ukrainian organizations are forming a new vision of leadership. Together, we are laying a strong foundation for the next generation of leaders – for those who strive to grow freely and make the most of their potential for the benefit of Ukraine”.
The conference and the National Award “Leadership of Equal Opportunities” recorded an important shift in the understanding and development of management culture: a new standard where the stability and competitiveness of organizations is directly related to the effective use of human potential, regardless of gender.
About Women Leaders for Ukraine:
An international community that promotes equal opportunity leadership in business, public sector and society. The community unites female leaders who are rethinking the managerial culture of Ukraine and shaping its future.
Contacts for mass media:
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