Female Athletes Begin Three-Day Leadership Training Co-Hosted by NOC and UN Women

Training on Political Engagement and Leadership for Women

According to НОК: The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine and UN Women Ukraine have launched a three-day training program focused on political participation and leadership for women, now underway in Kyiv. This event brings together female representatives from the sports community across various regions of Ukraine, aiming to strengthen their leadership skills and amplify women’s influence in decision-making processes within both sports and society.

Over the course of three days, participants will gain knowledge and practical skills in effective communication, strategic thinking, management, and civic engagement. The training includes representatives from multiple athletic disciplines, such as:

• Larysa Zaspa, Head of the NOC Ukraine Commission 'Women in Sport'
• Nina Lemesh
• Yelyzaveta Stepaniuk

The opening ceremony featured remarks from key figures. NOC Ukraine Executive Director Liudmyla Panchenko welcomed the attendees on behalf of the NOC President Vadym Huttsait. Also present were Oleksii Nikitenko, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, and Liudmyla Kovalchuk, Programme Coordinator of UN Women in Ukraine-highlighting the initiative's significance for advancing female leadership in the country.

This training is part of a broader strategy to boost women's participation in Ukraine’s sports and public life.

The involvement of athletes from various sports and the presence of government officials underscore the growing recognition of women’s leadership in shaping policy and societal change. Such initiatives can help shift attitudes toward women in sports and enhance their role in decision-making across multiple sectors.

As the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine and UN Women Ukraine work to empower female leaders in sports, the recent success of the U-16 girls' team in a penalty shootout against Turkey highlights the growing impact of young female athletes on the international stage. This victory not only showcases their athletic prowess but also underscores the importance of leadership development initiatives aimed at fostering women's participation in sports and beyond.