Olena Kondratiuk, the Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, visited the National University of Ostroh Academy to meet with the students and teaching staff.
During the meeting, the Vice Speaker delivered a lecture on women's leadership, equality and gender representation in government, parliament, diplomacy, military and business to students of international relations, history, national security, public communications and regional studies.
Olena Kondratiuk also spoke about the latest trends and achievements of women in political leadership, in particular, the strengthening of the role of women in decision-making at the head of parliaments, governments and EU institutions.
“We talked about the progress that women in Ukraine have made in increasing their representation in the Verkhovna Rada and local councils. Not least thanks to the electoral gender quotas, which I advocated together with my colleagues,” said Olena Kondratiuk.
They also talked about the crucial role of women in peace and security, namely, UN Security Council Resolution 1325 “Women. Peace. Security”, which Ukraine also pledged to implement.
“Where there are more women in negotiations, there are higher chances for peace! How we managed to open previously closed doors for women who want to build a military career. And we really have something to be proud of. Today, 62,000 women serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This is 7.3% of the total number. This is a very good figure. It is more than in many NATO armies,” the Vice Speaker shared with the students.
Of course, they also touched upon the following problems: pay inequality, which reaches almost 20%; limited access of women to leadership positions in politics, higher education, the army, and big business; at the same time, the lack of men in school education, medicine, and the social sphere.
“It is important for students to be aware of these processes. This is a matter of our approximation to the standards and values of the European Union. And it is also a motivation to study well, move forward and succeed despite any obstacles, glass ceilings and stereotypes,” Olena Kondratiuk emphasised.
During her visit to the University, she also presented personalised grants from the Vice Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to two students to pay for their annual studies.
“This is my contribution to supporting talented young people and providing them with quality education in Ukraine. This is the kind of education that Ostroh Academy provides along with the formation of a clear Ukrainian civic identity,” Olena Kondratiuk said.
The winners of the competition for the grant were Oleksandr Mankevych, a 2nd year student majoring in National Security, and Olena Labunets, a 2nd year student majoring in History and Archeology.
The Vice Speaker expressed her deep faith in our young people, who are learning and hardening themselves in the difficult times of war.
“I believe that these educated and caring young people, who also manage to volunteer and help the Armed Forces, will play a very important and positive role in rebuilding Ukraine after the Victory,” said Olena Kondratiuk.
