Khmelnytskyi National University (KhNU) continues its active work on implementing gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) policies in higher education. As part of this activity, KhNU representatives joined the important online event, the "Gender Equality Partnerships Networking Day," organised by the British Council in Ukraine.
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Key members of the KhNU team who participated in the event were: Kateryna Skyba, Vice-Rector for Research and Educational Affairs, and Liudmyla Remishevska, Head of the International Relations Office.
© Andrii Vashkiv
The Networking Day brought together teams from 12 universities across Ukraine participating in the British Council’s “Gender Equality Partnerships” programme. The focus was on ways to implement GESI policies in higher education institutions (HEIs), exchange research results, and share experiences from implemented mentoring programs.
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The event underscored that gender equality in leadership remains a critical challenge. Despite progress, women are still significantly underrepresented in senior leadership positions in HEIs, such as rectors and vice-rectors. The goal of the partnership programs is to support women's leadership potential to ensure the resilience, inclusivity, and long-term transformation of the education sector, especially during wartime and post-war reconstruction.
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Kateryna Ilikchieva, Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination Expert and Head of the NGO "Evolution of Success," presented a report emphasizing that Gender Equality and Social Inclusion are interconnected concepts. They help improve access to goods and services for everyone, including socially vulnerable groups, and focus on empowering those who are excluded.
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Participants actively worked in groups on practical steps for the sustainability and institutionalization of gender initiatives within universities.
It is important to note that Khmelnytskyi National University is currently implementing the Project "3R SheLeader: Resilience, Resourcefulness, Results." This is why the KhNU team joined the Gender Equality Partnerships Networking Day. This vital initiative is supported by the British Council in cooperation with Bangor University (Wales, UK). The "3R SheLeader" project aims to develop women's leadership in higher education and build key qualities in participants for effective management in the face of modern challenges (link to the project page).
Khmelnytskyi National University sincerely thanks the British Council in Ukraine for the opportunity to participate in the Gender Equality Partnerships Networking Day and expresses deep gratitude for creating such an important platform for experience exchange. The knowledge gained, inspiration, and established partnerships will form a solid foundation for the future development and effective implementation of innovative gender equality and social inclusion initiatives at KhNU.
© Andrii Vashkiv