'Drive Change' Program Launched
A new leadership development initiative for women in Ukraine's transport sector, titled 'Drive Change,' commenced on January 31. The program is spearheaded by the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine and will involve 25 female specialists who were selected through a competitive process. Over the course of two months, participants will collaborate on five strategically significant projects. This initiative addresses a notable gender gap in a sector critical to the nation's economy and reconstruction.
The program is being implemented by the non-governmental organization 'Foundation for Institutional Development' with support from the International Transport Forum (ITF) at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Media Center Ukraine serves as the information partner. The launch event was attended by Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development Serhii Derkach, representatives from the ITF, UN Women Ukraine, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and other international partner organizations.
Program Structure and Impact
The curriculum includes lectures from leading experts, group mentoring sessions, and individual consultations. The project themes are focused on developing public transport and logistics, as well as strengthening the role of women within the industry and related sciences.
Serhii Derkach emphasized: 'Women are already playing a key role in the recovery and transformation of the transport sector. Our task as a state is to create opportunities for them not only to work in operational processes but also to influence strategic decisions, launch their own projects, and assume management positions. The 'Drive Change' program is an investment in human capital and in the future of Ukrainian transport.'
The launch of 'Drive Change' represents a significant step in supporting female leadership in Ukraine, particularly in the vital transport sector. Increasing women's participation in strategic management and project implementation can lead to more inclusive and effective industry development, which in turn will aid the broader recovery and modernization of the country's transport infrastructure. The program also highlights the growing role of international partnerships in backing such initiatives, which can positively impact Ukraine's international connections within the transport field.