Women should have a parity with men in decision-making, the right to self-realisation, the right to participate in the reconstruction of the country after the victory.
This was emphasised by Olena Kondratiuk, the Vice Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, co-founder of the Ukrainian Women’s Congress, opening a special regional event of the Ukrainian Women's Congress in Poltava.
“Until we hear what is happening in the regions, how women feel in government, business, and civic activism, we will not be able to develop adequate state policies in the field of gender equality,” said Olena Kondratiuk.
She believes that without active women leaders, there will be no victory and no future for Ukraine. That is why it is important to start preparatory work immediately, feeling the spirit of sisterhood.
“I hope we will have a lot of discussions today. And we will formulate certain tasks to come up with certain solutions. And most importantly, these decisions will then need to be implemented,” added the Vice Speaker.
She said that the regional Congress entitled “The Road to Recovery: Women’s Participation at the Local Level” will focus on three main topics:
1. Women’s leadership at the local level. New challenges for communities.
2. New challenges for civil society and women's participation in community life.
3. Women’s economic participation in reconstruction.
The event is attended by representatives of local authorities at all levels, including the heads of local self-government bodies, businesses, NGOs, MPs and ministers.