Ukraine’s demographic profile has recently undergone remarkable changes. Women are increasingly taking on leadership positions by becoming business owners or decision-makers or advancing from middle management to executive roles. This trend is primarily linked to the feminisation of many industries – either because of natural emancipation or as a consequence of the war.
Shifting employment roles
Women in Ukraine have been progressively advancing into leadership roles across various sectors. As of July 2024, women held 85 out of 401 seats in Ukraine’s parliament, accounting for 21.2 per cent of the total. This reflects a significant increase from previous years; for instance, in 2014, women occupied only 11.8 per cent of parliamentary seats.
In war time, when men of conscription age join the military to fulfil their civic duty, women also step up by engaging in volunteer work, supporting efforts on the home front, and replacing men in roles that were previously considered exclusively male. In Ukraine, changes in employment laws lifted restrictions on women working in heavy industry, allowing them to work underground and ensure essential services. Over 15 per cent of (male) miners have left their occupation to join the army since February 2022, highlighting the need for women in these vital positions. The picture is the same in agriculture and logistics, where women have trained as tractor and lorry drivers to address labour shortages in sectors previously dominated by men.
This shift reflects a broader change in gender employment roles across Ukraine. Ukrainian firms are hiring more women, and so more women have the chance of a senior position. At the same time, crucial questions arise: What will happen when the men return? And do these changes benefit the women themselves, the organisations they work for, and Ukrainian society?
Leading with empathy and strategy
Research on female leadership seeks to deepen understanding of leadership as a whole. For many years, the voices of male leaders have dominated discussions and historical records. Now, it is time to recognise and analyse the leadership experiences, strategies, and contributions of women to ensure a more comprehensive and inclusive perspective on leadership dynamics.
A new research project by ZOiS is designed to examine how female leaders in NGOs, social projects, and volunteer organisations navigate crises, foster resilience, and shape community recovery. Based on insights from 25 interviews with female leaders in various sectors, the research aims to shed light on leadership styles, the balance of cooperation and competition, and the soft skills that enable women to drive social change.
Research suggests that female leaders tend to adopt transformational leadership styles, which emphasise inclusivity, high emotional intelligence, consensus-building negotiations, and an awareness of women’s roles in teams and organisations. These cooperative approaches are particularly prominent in crisis management and humanitarian efforts, where female-led initiatives often focus on relational strategies that foster trust and social cohesion. This is especially relevant in veterans’ reintegration efforts, where psychological support also plays a crucial role. It could be hypothesised that many women may be well equipped to handle specific management tasks: team leadership, coordination, multitasking, and maintaining a positive team atmosphere.
The findings from the interviews will help confirm or challenge this hypothesis. The working assumption is that female leaders are more likely to engage in cooperative behaviour and foster support networks that amplify the impact of their work. At the same time, female leaders navigate complex environments in which there is competition for resources, visibility, and sustainability. Striking a balance between these dynamics could be a key factor in women’s effectiveness.
Challenges and opportunities for female leadership
Despite their significant contributions, female leaders in crisis settings often face systemic barriers, such as limited funding, under-representation in decision-making, and societal expectations that associate leadership with masculinity. However, women’s leadership also brings unique opportunities. Their ability to adapt quickly, build strong interpersonal relationships, and create psychologically safe environments positions women-led organisations as key drivers of social recovery. Female leaders’ emphasis on mental health, education, and sustainable development contributes to long-term resilience, which benefits both individuals and communities.
At the same time, gender biases continue to affect women’s economic participation. Women are often perceived as less attractive candidates in the job market, contributing to employment disparities. In 2023, women accounted for 72.5 per cent of the unemployed in Ukraine. By 2024, only 48 per cent of women who had been displaced by the war were employed, compared with 71 per cent of men, highlighting a significant gender gap in labour market opportunities. These and other biases could hinder career advancement, financial independence, and broader social inclusion.
Looking ahead
As Ukraine navigates the challenges of war and future postwar recovery, leveraging the strengths of female leadership will be essential to rebuild social networks and unleash the potential for development. Recognising and supporting these leaders – through policy changes, funding opportunities, and international collaboration – can lead to more effective, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.
Dr Hanna Shvindina is a fellow at the Ukraine Research Network@ZOiS, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.