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Welcome to Women in Defence

Our mission is to empower aspiring, current, and former women in defence through recognition of excellence, mentoring, training, networking, and growth opportunities to impact positive change nationally and globally.

2024

Founded in Kyiv, Ukraine

134

Members

280+

Number of events participants

what we do

What are the objectives
of Women in Defence?

Enhance Professional Growth
We aim to enhance professional capabilities, recognize achievements, and increase the representation and visibility of women in the defence sector.
Empower Women
We support women starting and pursuing a career in the defence sector through leadership training and professional development opportunities.
Build Community
We build a strong, supportive community for women in the defence sector, fostering connections, collaborations, and a sense of belonging among members.
Promote Cooperation
We promote the development of cooperation and mutual understanding between women in the defence sector, establishing partnerships with professional international and national organizations, and academic institutions to expand knowledge, exchange best practices, professional experiences, and information.
Advocate Equality
We promote the idea of equal rights and opportunities for women and men in the defence sector, improve understanding of national and international legislation on gender equality, advocate for balanced representation and equal participation.
Conduct Research and Monitoring
We monitor and conduct research on ensuring gender equality and non-discrimination in the defence sector, developing recommendations to uphold equal rights and opportunities for women and men.

where we're going

Striving for equal opportunities for Women in Leadership

Increase Community
We aim to significantly grow our membership base, inviting more women and men in the defence sector to join our community. Our goal is to create a robust network of professionals who support and uplift each other.
Reach More Women
We aim to engage with a broader range of women in various military sectors, including experienced professionals and students in military higher education. By expanding our outreach efforts through regional events and online engagement, we aim to reach as many women nationwide as possible.
Collaboration and Partnerships
We will partner and expand cooperation with local and international NGOs which have mission of  empowering women in defence.  By building strong partnerships, we aim to leverage collective resources and expertise to drive impactful change.
Expand Programs
We plan to develop and expand our programs such as specialized training programs, leadership development workshops, and mentorship opportunities tailored to various stages of a woman’s career in the defense sector.
Visibility and Influence
We will work to raise the visibility of our members by providing opportunities to be speakers, organizers, and participants in key defense-related events. This will help women in the defense sector to showcase their expertise and leadership.
Sustainability and Funding
We will work towards ensuring the financial sustainability of the organization, including developing  fundraising plans, grant applications, and other funding mechanisms.

what we do

WiD is a national not-for-profit organization

At WiD Ukraine, we are dedicated to advancing the role of women in the defence sector using various initiatives. Through tailored training and mentorship programs, we support the advancement of women’s careers in defence, thereby enhancing their professional capacity. Additionally, we foster cooperation and understanding by forming partnerships with international and national organizations and academic institutions. Our efforts aim to expand knowledge, exchange best practices, and promote mutual support. Furthermore, we advocate for equal rights and opportunities for both men and women in defense, striving to improve understanding of gender equality legislation and create conducive conditions for the professional development and leadership of women in the field. 

meet our Board

Oksana Grygorieva
Gender Advisor to the Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Kateryna Korniyenko
Head of the Civil-Military Cooperation Service of the Logistics Command Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Oksana Krytenko
Researcher and Gender Advisor to the Head of the Military Institute named after S.P. Koroliov
Olga Odynokova
Officer of the National Police of Ukraine (retired)
Sofia Burtak
Chairman of the Board of Business Network of Rural Women and Cadet of the Reserve Officers’ Military Training Department
Oksana Grygorieva
Gender Advisor to the Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Kateryna Korniyenko
Head of the Civil-Military Cooperation Service of the Logistics Command Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Oksana Krytenko
Researcher and Gender Advisor to the Head of the Military Institute named after S.P. Koroliov
Olga Odynokova
Officer of the National Police of Ukraine (retired)
Sofia Burtak
Chairman of the Board of Business Network of Rural Women and Cadet of the Reserve Officers’ Military Training Department

GET Involved

Interested in Becoming a Member of WiD?

Join us
Training and development
Participate in various training programs, seminars, and workshops designed to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Experience exchange
Access and exchange experiences with national and international experts and professionals in defence sector.
Networking opportunities
Connect with professionals and experts in the defence sectors, building a strong support network for your career.
Strategic involvement
Help shape the strategic direction of WiD by contributing your ideas and participating in key organizational decisions.

events

Stay tuned for upcoming events

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faq

Frequently
asked questions

What is WiD Ukraine?
Women in Defence Ukraine is a national not-for-profit organization founded in 2024 in Kyiv, dedicated to promoting and supporting the advancement of women in careers in defence sphere.
How can I become a member of WiD?
To become a member, please visit the ‘Join Us’ page and complete the application form. The team will review your application and reply with the next steps.
Can men join WiD Ukraine? 
Yes, men who aim to amplify the voices of their female counterparts in the defence sector are invited to join WiD Ukraine to work towards gender equality. Please visit the ‘Join Us’ page to become a member! 
Does WiD Ukraine collaborate with other organizations? 
Yes, WiD Ukraine actively collaborates with various organizations, both domestically and internationally. This collaboration is crucial for advancing its mission and goals within the defence sector. If you are interested in collaboration, please contact Kateryna Onyiliogwu at konyiliogwu@alineainternational.com
Who supports WiD Ukraine?
The Government of Canada currently supports WiD Ukraine through the PROTECT2 project. If you are interested in supporting WiD, please contact Kateryna Onyiliogwu at konyiliogwu@alineainternational.com
How can I get involved in WiD’s leadership?
Members can get involved in WiD’s leadership by participating in elections for leadership positions and contributing to decision-making processes.
How does WiD Ukraine promote diversity and inclusion within the defence sphere?
WiD Ukraine promotes diversity and inclusion within the defence sphere through various initiatives. We strive for equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of background. Our organization provides support, mentorship, and training programs specifically tailored to women pursuing careers in the defence sector, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to succeed.

our partners

our partners