Discussion panel “The Courage to Be First”, Ukrainian Women’s Congress, Kyiv, 2025.
Success Story
Building Ukraine’s Future by Empowering Women Leaders in Politics
Over the past four years, as Ukraine fought for its sovereignty and its democracy against brutal Russian aggression, women have stepped forward in a variety of critical roles. Not only are women defending Ukraine on the front lines of the war, but they have also taken on new business initiatives, managed delivery of state services, launched volunteer initiatives, and acted as global ambassadors for the sacrifices that Ukrainians are making to preserve their country and their democracy.
To support these women in their new roles, and with an eye toward ensuring that skills gained during wartime can translate to political leadership, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) is supporting two flagship initiatives. The Ukrainian Women’s Congress (UWC) reinforces national advocacy and cooperation among women leaders from across sectors and regions, helping shape greater representation for women. In parallel, NDI’s Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA) equips emerging leaders with the skills they will need to participate in political processes as candidates, elected officials and party leaders.
Together, these initiatives ensure that both emerging and established women leaders have a meaningful voice in Ukraine’s political life, an investment that advances fairness, accountability and long-term prosperity. This participation is integral to Ukraine’s post-war democratic future, as decades of international best practice demonstrates that women’s leadership in political decision-making improves processes, strengthens peacebuilding efforts and leads to greater prosperity.
“The Courage to Be Yourself”: Spotlighting Service and Sacrifice
This year’s Ukrainian Women’s Congress, held on October 23 in Kyiv under the theme “The Courage to Be Yourself,” highlighted women’s service in the military, recognizing their contribution to Ukraine’s defense while drawing attention to the barriers they still face in the Armed Forces.
Addressing the Congress, NDI President Dr. Tamara Cofman Wittes underlined the urgency of converting wartime leadership into formal political power. “This year’s Congress, with the special focus on women’s courage, serves as a poignant reminder of the value of women’s contributions and of the price women are paying for Russia’s aggression. This gathering also reminds us that women’s leadership roles in wartime must be converted into real and meaningful ways for women to participate in decision-making as political leaders, in ending the war, and in a post-war period.”
Since its launch in 2017, the UWC has become a national platform where government officials, civil society leaders, business representatives and international partners exchange ideas on how to advance policies that strengthen norms for women’s political participation and build resilience against backsliding.
The Congress provides a venue to explore the impact of women in various spheres — military service, youth and civic activism, business and politics — highlighting the courage of women to work tirelessly in support of their families, their communities and their country. Over the course of the event, participants discussed how women are leading in various spheres during war, using innovation to solve local problems and confronting barriers in politics, media and the economy.
As the organizers noted, "It is a partnership between business, government, and the public sector that helps unlock women's potential and makes Ukrainian cities and villages stronger." Speakers also emphasized women’s indispensable role in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction as part of the national recovery and democratic progress.
Olena Yena, Country Representative and Acting Director of NDI Ukraine at the Ukrainian Women’s Congress, Kyiv, 2025.
MP Maria Ionova, a UWC co-founder and long-standing NDI partner, captured the Congress’s purpose: “We want to provide role models for young people. That is why we are telling stories of courage to the whole country.”
Just after the Congress, NDI launched a new Women’s Leadership Academy cohort, bringing together women representing war-impacted groups such as internally displaced persons, veterans, and relatives of current, former and fallen servicemembers. Participants built practical communication and policymaking skills, explored the critical role of women in peacebuilding and post-war recovery efforts and highlighted how they could contribute to issues that are so fundamental to the future of their families and fellow citizens.
The Academy also connected participants with established leaders, including Olena Kondratiuk, Vice Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and Oksana Zholnovych, former Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine and an alumna of the first Women’s Leadership Academy. Reflecting on her experience, Zholnovych shared:
Participants of the Women’s Leadership Academy, Kyiv, 2025.
"This meeting is special for me, as I am a graduate of the first Women's Leadership Academy, and this experience opened up a lot of insights for me. I believe in sisterhood, in the strong supportive role of women for each other. There are wonderful women leaders in my environment who support and inspire me! And yesterday I tried to create inspiration for the participants of the new Academy - to act and choose themselves."
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Networks for a Democratic Future
NDI will continue supporting emerging women leaders in Ukraine through Women’s Leadership Academies and sustained engagement with graduates–fostering networks, cooperation and coordination through online sessions, meetings with women leaders and networking activities.
By investing in women’s leadership today, NDI is helping ensure that Ukraine’s post-war recovery is built on freedom, fairness and accountable democratic governance.
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