New role of women and parity in reconstruction: The first day of the Ukrainian Women’s Congress
22 November 2023, 20:50
The first day of the 7th Ukrainian Women’s Congress “Women’s Leadership. Time for Restoration. Time to rebuild”.
Opening the Congress, its co-founder, the Vice Speaker Olena Kondratiuk noted that the UWC is forming a vision: how to build a just society with equal participation of women and men in processes and decisions.
“Our goal is to achieve parity of participation of women and men in reconstruction and to enable women to influence processes and decisions without discrimination and glass ceilings, said Olena Kondratiuk.
In her speech at the Congress, the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska announced the formation of a new role for Ukrainian women, who are both defending the country in the ranks of the Armed Forces and holding the economy on their shoulders in the rear.
The First Lady urged women to actively adapt to their new leadership role: “Women are leaders, no one needs to prove it to anyone. It is a fact! You need to live with it, realising your value and rights. And live happily!”
The first day of the 7th Ukrainian Women’s Congress featured thematic discussions on the role of women in politics at both the central and regional levels. They discussed the development of women’s entrepreneurship and adaptation of educational processes to new realities. In addition, in a special discussion, the Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna and the EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová agreed that Ukraine is already on par with Europe in terms of gender equality.
Mariia Ionova, a co-founder of the UWC, believes that the annual Ukrainian Women’s Congresses are a great opportunity to share experiences.
“Today we have heard sincere and true stories from those women who rarely appear on TV, but who actually hold the life of Ukraine on their shoulders. Local deputies, owners of local businesses. Ordinary women doing extraordinary things!” said Mariia Ionova.
Svitlana Voitsekhovska, co-founder of the Congress, pays special attention to the educational platform.
“The most valuable capital of any nation is human capital. The future of the whole country depends on how we raise our children. That is why we are forming a vision in the educational sector as well,” said Svitlana Voitsekhovska.
For the first time in the history of Ukraine, the Congress presented an award for women’s leadership. The Mary O’Hagan Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Development of Gender Equality and Women’s Leadership was presented to doctor and volunteer Nataliia Leliukh.
7 The Ukrainian Women’s Congress is supported by Starlight Media Group and Telegraf UA, as well as TAVR Media Radio Group, Channel 5, espreso.tv, Priamyi TV Channel, and RTM-Ukraine Group of Companies.