IVANO-FRANKIVSK, Ukraine: 30 July 2022 – More than 30 speakers participated in the regional Ukrainian Women's Congress to discuss successful cases of women's leadership in various fields during the war.

Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Denmark, and other partner organizations, the event had three panel discussions on the role of women's leadership during the war and the empowerment of women for the recovery of a prosperous and peaceful country where no one is left behind.

Manal Fouani, interim UNDP Resident Representative to Ukraine, said gender equality and women’s empowerment should be at the center of all recovery plans. “For inclusive recovery solutions, we should ensure that equal opportunities are given to women to invest and contribute to the resilience building of Ukraine. Women in Ukraine are playing a major role in sustaining the social and economic fabric. They should be recognized for this role and continue to further engage in the recovery and development processes of Ukraine “

The first panel focused on the new challenges of the women’s movement and raised the question of the new circumstances in which women have to act – such as taking on leadership roles in local communities and the difficulties of political activity in regions severely affected by hostilities. Also discussed the ways women are taking on coordination and responsibility for major humanitarian and social initiatives and working with internally displaced persons..

The second panel raised the issue of new economic opportunities for women, drawing attention to successful initiatives that contribute to Ukraine’s economy, create new jobs and ensure the proper relocation of business to safer regions of Ukraine.

The third discussion brought together women who demonstrate leadership in community and volunteer movements. The participants discussed how volunteer and social initiatives are helping Ukrainians to overcome the challenges of war , and how such initiatives will help refugees return home and rebuild the country when the war is over.

Background information

Advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment is central to the mandate of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and its development approach to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As Ukraine is facing mounting challenges caused by the war, UNDP is supporting the Government of Ukraine to develop rapid recovery plans based on principles of human rights and gender equality.

In Ukraine, in line with its gender equality strategy, UNDP is working to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls through its democratic governance initiatives, its inclusive and gender-responsive sustainable development programmes and through its support to recovery and peacebuilding.

Media enquires:

Yuliia Samus, UNDP in Ukraine Communications Team Leader, yuliia.samus@undp.org