Exchange of ideas and experiences, a supportive environmentt, and the sense of having your people by your side — this was the atmosphere of the strategic session for participants of the program “Women Leaders in Media — Ukraine-EU Support Program.”
Women journalists discussed the challenges facing Ukrainian media, women’s leadership, career paths, and the future of women in journalism.
Peer-to-peer conversations with invited guests
The session featured discussions with leaders from various fields:
- Maksym Onopriienko, member of the National Council of Television and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine — with him, participants discussed the regulator’s work, the gender profile of the media, and support for women in achieving equality.
- Iryna Postolovska, former Deputy Minister of Social Policy for European Integration — spoke about Ukraine’s and other countries’ experience, public service, and the role of women leaders in the public sector.
Roman Kifliuk, National Advisor at International Media Support (IMS) — discussed opportunities for Ukrainian media, grant support, and men’s involvement in gender equality. - Olesia Ostrovska-Liuta, Director of Mystetskyi Arsenal — shared insights on Ukrainian women artists, contemporary art, challenges of democracy, and her own leadership journey.
Ten top Ukrainian media executives participated in the session:
- Maria Frei, Suspilne — Member of the Board
- Oksana Ostapko, Starlight Media — Deputy Director of Legal Affairs
- Yelyzaveta Nechyporuk, The Kyiv Independent — Head of Social Media
- Margarita Buhaichuk (Dykaliuk), Ukrainian Week — Editor-in-Chief
- Aliona Yatsyna, Kordon.Media (Sumy) — CEO, war correspondent
- Ruslana Brianska, Hromadske Radio — Executive Director
- Kateryna Sereda, MykVisti (Mykolaiv) — Editor-in-Chief
- Anastasiia Ravva, Espreso.TV — Executive Producer
- Viktoria Beha, Hromadske — Deputy Editor-in-Chief
- Maryna Synhaivska, LB.UA — Deputy Editor-in-Chief
Liza Kuzmenko, Head of the NGO Women in Media, emphasized that this is the first leadership program for women heading Ukrainian media: “Among the participants are both media managers with over 20 years of experience and those taking their first steps in leadership. They represent major media holdings and independent regional outlets. What unites them is the desire to rethink the role of women in media and strengthen women’s leadership.”
According to her, the program’s goal is not only to strengthen women’s positions in media but also to promote inclusion and diversity, build partnerships with organizations and media in the EU, and support participants through the power of sisterhood and community. An important element will be the development of joint policies for women’s leadership in Ukrainian media.
Olha Syrotiuk, Program Manager at the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), reflected: “In the world of program management, this project is considered short-term — it lasts 6 months. At the same time, after the strategic session, seeing the honest, transparent discussions of challenges, the creation of solutions, the group’s sense of solidarity — I have a strong feeling of its long-term impact, a future space for cooperation and support.”
Program participant Oksana Ostapko, Deputy Director for Legal Affairs at Starlight Media, shared her impressions: “I want to thank you for the organization — this is truly a fantastic program and I’m so happy! I also want to offer my knowledge, experience, and expertise, maybe even launch a mentorship program — if there’s interest. I feel I have a lot to share! And, of course, still much more to learn.”
Margarita Buhaichuk (Dykaliuk), Editor-in-Chief of Ukrainian Week, highlighted the diversity of issues discussed: “So much has been said, and so much more remains to be discussed! How to promote gender policies in newsrooms, how to fight stereotypes, how to respond to sexism and discrimination, why partnerships matter, and what changes we need. These are just some of the questions we raised and explored collectively. These two days were about people, experiences, ideas, and challenges. I’m grateful to the Women in Media team and to everyone I had the chance to talk with. I’m glad to be part of your community.”
Kateryna Sereda, Editor-in-Chief of MykVisti (Mykolaiv), said she was impressed by the open and trusting atmosphere of the strategic session:
“It was a true comfort zone where each participant could share her experiences and challenges. It was clear that women in media face similar difficulties, and it was important that we discussed them together. We raised many issues: some can be addressed immediately within newsrooms, while others require systemic work at the industry level. This is an extremely necessary and timely project that absolutely should be continued. I am confident that over time it will grow into something very strong and influential.” — commented Kateryna.
Next steps in the “Women Leaders in Media” program
At the end of November, participants will meet again — this time during a study trip to Berlin to exchange experiences and connect with representatives of media, civil society, and government.
The program “Women Leaders in Media — Ukraine-EU Support Program” is launched by Women in Media NGO in cooperation with the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) and with the support of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany under the CivilSocietyCooperation initiative.
Participants were selected from 115 applications from across Ukraine, each of which was strong and inspiring. In the future, Women in Media plans to create additional opportunities for cooperation and professional growth.
