The first session will discuss key achievements in gender equality policy and will attempt to outline a vision for the future – how do we see our society and what steps should be taken to achieve gender equality in various spheres? Moreover, what has been Ukraine’s path to equality – has it been revolutionary or evolutionary? Speakers will share their forecasts on how much time and effort it will take to make our society more equitable and ensure convincing progress through the development of human potential and resources.

This event will tell the stories of ten local women from different regions of Ukraine in the late XIX – early XX centuries, whose work became an example of women’s leadership. Despite their lack of or substantial limitation of rights (educational, social, economic, and political), these women used the resources they had to create new opportunities for women in their regions, improve women’s standing, and helped women ensure their interests.

The second session will discuss the real position of women in politics, particularly highlighting the problems associated with party development and women’s representation as candidates in multi-level elections. What actions have to be taken by parties and within the Rada itself in order to provide real participation of women in decision-making? Moreover, how can political culture in Ukraine change to ensure that discrimination is not tolerated during the election process and beyond?

The third session will draw attention to the position of women in the security and defence sector. It will highlight progress made but will also focus on limitations that women continue to face during military service, particularly in terms of social and medical security. Furthermore, it will take on the task of determining how women, especially veterans, can become more engaged in peacekeeping and peacebuilding processes in Ukraine.

The fourth session will address how women’s leadership and participation in the economy and business in Ukraine has changed thus far and will specifically focus on the existing gaps in opportunity women continue to face in entrepreneurship and corporate management. What concrete measures can be taken to attract women to business and entrepreneurship at the national and regional levels and what will it mean for Ukraine?

It will be a first-time presentation of the ranking of the Ukrainian companies which implement family-friendly policies, aimed to secure a work-life balance, promote gender equality, zero tolerance to gender-based violence, and equal opportunities for women and men in achieving their professional and personal goals. The discussion will draw attention to the importance of disseminating corporate family-friendly practices which respond to challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ranking was created in frames of the Equality Springboard project funded by Sweden.

The fifth session will focus on the role of women in the development of communities and regions, particularly highlighting the approaches they take and initiatives women leaders implement. Women in regional politics, specifically, can take unique leadership roles in the forms of role models and mentors as a result of their active focus on community development. Moreover, the session will cover greater involvement of women in community life, women’s activism, and volunteering, as well as opportunities for local female activists to become leaders at the national level.

The discussion will draw attention to current challenges and potential strategic solutions on how to promote and build local communities free of discrimination. The conversation will cover the issues of inequality and sexism that affect democratic development and gender mainstreaming in local policies and decision making. The discussion will provide an opportunity for an exchange of good practices in promoting tolerance and non-discrimination in local communities, as well as elaborating efficient tools and mechanisms for making local political and public processes more inclusive and integral.

The sixth and final session will include young, self-made women from different backgrounds and sectors who overcame stereotypes and achieved success in the independent, modern Ukraine. The session will particularly focus on the future of Ukraine from the perspective of the younger generations, the role of implementing gender equality policy in the country’s development, the role of women as mentors, as well as creating development opportunities for both men and women.