From March 11 to 14, 2025, a delegation from Khmelnytskyi National University (Khnu) visited Bangor University in the United Kingdom as part of the 3R SheLeader project, funded by the British Council. This initiative aims to promote gender equality in higher education by addressing key barriers for women, developing leadership skills, fostering international cooperation between the UK and Ukraine, and driving long-term changes in educational systems to ensure gender equity. The 3R SheLeader project focuses on sharing best practices in gender equality, raising awareness, building networks for women’s leadership, engaging men as allies in achieving equality, and developing policies that promote gender balance in academia.
The KhNU delegation was led by Rector Serhii Matiukh and included Vice-Rector for Research Oleg Syniuk and Vice-Rector for Academic and Educational Work Kateryna Skyba.
The visit featured a full agenda of events. The delegation took part in a seminar on gender equality and academic leadership, where key aspects of advancing women’s leadership in science were discussed. Meetings were also held with Bangor University’s leadership to explore opportunities for cooperation, including student exchange programs and joint research initiatives.
Delegates from KhNU explored historical exhibits highlighting the role of women in society and visited cultural sites linked to the development of education in Wales.
A key highlight of the visit was a discussion on empowering women in STEM fields, which brought together British and Ukrainian scholars to share experiences and strategies.
The central event of the visit was the International Women’s Day conference “Resilient Women in Times of War.” Kateryna Skyba delivered a powerful presentation on the challenges of academic leadership during wartime in Ukraine. She discussed the transformations in the educational process, the necessity of adapting to crisis conditions, and the specific challenges faced by women leaders who continue to fulfil their roles under martial law. Her address emphasised the critical role of women in university governance during times of conflict and the importance of international support for their initiatives.
Professor Christian Dunn also spoke at the event, sharing his impressions of a recent visit to Khmelnytskyi National University. The conference included historical and cultural presentations highlighting women’s leadership in both Wales and Ukraine.
Additional meetings were held to discuss mentorship programs, international collaboration, and sustainable development. The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two universities in 2022. This visit laid the foundation for long-term academic cooperation, including student and faculty exchanges and joint research projects, while also strengthening the institutional capacity of both universities.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our colleagues at Bangor University for their warm hospitality and look forward to continued fruitful collaboration. This partnership is of great importance to Khmelnytskyi National University, as it opens new opportunities for scientific research, educational initiatives, and international engagement. Joint efforts with Bangor University support the integration of Ukrainian science into the global academic community, expand horizons for students and faculty, and enhance the university’s international standing.
We invite our partners to continue working together to advance science, education, and the training of highly qualified professionals!