Kateryna Skyba, Vice-Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical work at Khmelnytskyi National University (KhNU), has successfully passed the competitive selection process and been admitted to the DOWIRA Lead (Developing Opportunities for Women’s Initiatives and Resilience in Academia) programme, implemented by British Council Ukraine in partnership with Advance HE (United Kingdom). The programme is designed to empower women leaders in higher education and strengthen the institutional capacity of Ukrainian universities.
DOWIRA Lead will bring together 20 vice-rectors from higher education institutions across Ukraine who were selected through an open competitive process. Throughout the programme, participants will enhance their competencies in strategic leadership, institutional change management, partnership development, strategic communications, and mentoring. One of the programme's core components will be the development and implementation of strategic institutional projects aimed at promoting gender equality and strengthening the organisational resilience of universities.
The programme will run from September 2026 to June 2027 and will include in-person training modules in Poland and Ukraine, online learning sessions, participation in Action Learning Sets, mentoring skills development, and the implementation of institutional projects. Upon completing the programme, DOWIRA Lead participants will establish DOWIRA Rise teams at their home universities and serve as mentors, supporting the development of the next generation of women leaders in higher education.
The participation of a Khmelnytskyi National University representative in the DOWIRA Lead programme is a recognition of the University's professional achievements in implementing modern approaches to university governance, advancing international cooperation, and promoting gender equality. The knowledge, international experience, and professional networks gained through the programme will contribute to the further development of the University's institutional policies, strengthen its international partnerships, and support the implementation of new strategic initiatives.
KhNU warmly congratulates Kateryna Skyba on her successful selection and wishes her every success, new professional achievements, and the successful implementation of strategic projects for the benefit of Khmelnytskyi National University.
Learn more about the programme: DOWIRA Lead | British Council Україна.
