From Learning to Action: Leadership School Participants Launch Their Own Mini-Projects

Participants in the Leadership School for Young Women in European Integration have begun implementing their own mini-projects. The first events have already taken place in Dnipro and Bukovyna, while preparations are underway in Chernivtsi for an intensive training programme on civic participation.

Not long ago, they were attending training sessions, discussing ideas and preparing to pitch their projects. Today, they are organising events, engaging women experts, finding partners and creating opportunities for others. Participants are putting the knowledge and skills gained at the School into practice to address specific needs in their communities.

Dnipro: “The Power of a New Start”

Oksana Pochapska, in cooperation with the NGO “Dnipro. Zghurt-UA”, is implementing an initiative for women aged 50 and over who want to return to work, find new sources of income or start their own businesses.

The first practical intensive took place on 20 October. Participants included women who had lost their jobs or sources of income due to the war and other life circumstances and were looking for opportunities to make a fresh start. Some participants will receive continued support through mentoring.

Bukovyna: “From Hope to Action”

Liudmyla Shevchyk and Olena Chepukh, together with the NGO “Volunteers of Vyzhnytsia”, organised the first educational meeting for women whose loved ones are being held captive or are missing.

The event brought together participants from three communities in Bukovyna. They learned about their rights, social entitlements and ways to protect those rights. The meeting also provided a space for support and connection for women living with prolonged uncertainty who need accessible information and assistance.

Chernivtsi: “Acupuncture of Solutions: From Idea to Impact”

Olha Obersht, together with the Chernivtsi regional NGO “Committee of Voters”, is preparing a two-day intensive for young women who want to help shape the development of Chernivtsi.

The training will take place on 3–4 November. Participants will learn how local government works, how to use civic participation tools and how to turn their ideas into concrete proposals for the city.

Registration is open: sign up for the intensive.

These three different initiatives share a common thread: the participants’ willingness to take responsibility and act. They support women facing difficult life circumstances, help them find professional opportunities and involve them in community decision-making.

These are the outcomes we strive for through the School: learning that leads to participants’ own initiatives, new partnerships and practical support for people. We thank the participants for their courage and determination, and the civil society organisations for their cooperation and help in bringing these ideas to life.

More events and mini-project results are still to come, and we will continue sharing them on the Foundation’s website.

The “Leadership School for Young Women in European Integration” project is implemented by the Public Resources and Initiatives Charity Foundation in partnership with KWB Koordinierungsstelle Weiterbildung und Beschäftigung e. V., with the support of the German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt).