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Ukrainian Women’s Guard: Women of Kharkiv Strengthen Ukraine’s Economy — Results of the Project “Empowered Woman — Pillar of Ukraine”

On August 9–10, 2025, Kharkiv hosted the final events of the Ukrainian Women’s Guard project “Empowered Woman — Pillar of Ukraine,” which over the past year has fostered women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and economic resilience in Kharkiv during wartime. The program included a meeting with Ukraine’s Prime Minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, and a concluding roundtable with representatives of government, civil society, international organizations, and the diplomatic corps.

The project is implemented by the NGO Ukrainian Women’s Guard with technical support from UN Women Ukraine and funded by the United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF).

A warm and candid conversation with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko became a powerful source of inspiration for participants. Women had the opportunity not only to hear a welcome address but also to ask personal questions. The Prime Minister emphasized the key role of women in rebuilding Ukraine, highlighted the importance of developing women’s entrepreneurship and leadership, and assured that the government is ready to support initiatives aimed at strengthening the economy through women’s active participation.

The event brought together over fifty participants and guests, including representatives of civil society, government authorities, employment centers, diplomats, and international experts.

The meeting was opened and moderated by Olena Biletska, Head of the Ukrainian Women’s Guard. The ceremonial part began with the National Anthem of Ukraine and a minute of silence in memory of fallen defenders.

Speakers included:

Yulia Svyrydenko, Prime Minister of Ukraine
Matthias Schmale, UN System Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator
Roman Sheiko, Program Specialist, UN Women Ukraine
Pantelis Alexandros Dimitrakopoulos, Ambassador of Greece to Ukraine
Helene Sand Andresen, Ambassador of Norway to Ukraine
Elena Leticia Teresa Mikusinski, Ambassador of Argentina to Ukraine
Yulia Zhovtyak, Director, State Employment Center of Ukraine
Maria Mezentseva-Fedorenko, Member of Parliament, Deputy Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on EU Integration, Head of the Permanent Delegation to PACE
Yevhen Ivanov, Deputy Head, Kharkiv Regional Military Administration
Olga Petrenko, Deputy Director, Kharkiv Regional Employment Center

Key results of the year:

A series of educational programs and training sessions
Mentorship support for women
Business development consultations
Creation of a mutual support network
Launch of women-led business initiatives and social projects

Special recognition was given to the Ukrainian Women’s Guard team, which throughout the year provided training, mentorship, and motivational support to dozens of women even during the most challenging wartime conditions.

The panel discussion “Women’s Economic Empowerment During Wartime: Challenges and Potential,” moderated by Maria Mezentseva-Fedorenko, brought together government representatives, experts, and civil society leaders. Participants discussed how to transform women’s potential into regional economic power, the role of employment centers as hubs for women’s startups, and how to shift perceptions of women from a “vulnerable group” to a driving force of recovery.

A particularly moving presentation was given by Serhiy Pryskoрnyk (“Running Beard”), athlete, volunteer, and Ukrainian record holder. His story of resilience and self-belief added an emotional charge to the event.

The event concluded with an open-floor session for participants and a friendly reception. Proposals for collaboration, ideas for new projects, and words of support were shared.

The project “Empowered Woman — Pillar of Ukraine” proved that even in the most challenging times, women remain a pillar of the country’s economic and social resilience. The completion of this initiative marks the beginning of a new wave of women’s leadership and Ukraine’s recovery. The strength and unity of Ukrainian women form the foundation upon which the rebuilt country will stand.

The project is implemented by the NGO Ukrainian Women’s Guard (UWG) with technical support from UN Women Ukraine and funded by the United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) — a flexible and responsive funding mechanism that supports high-quality activities to strengthen the capacities of local women in conflict prevention, crisis and emergency response, and the use of key peacebuilding opportunities.

This publication was prepared by the NGO Ukrainian Women’s Guard with financial support from the United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF). Its content and views do not imply official endorsement or recognition by the United Nations.

Photos: Ukrainian Women’s Guard / Tetiana Hordiienko, Ihor Kushnarov