An experimental government programme has been launched in Ukraine to help women master professions traditionally dominated by men. The training is funded by the state through the Unemployment Insurance Fund, and employers are obliged to provide internships and hire graduates. In total, the programme covers 31 professions, including construction, industry, and transport.
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According to Tetiana Berezhna, Deputy Minister of Economy, this initiative not only helps women find jobs but also helps to address the staff shortage in key sectors of the economy. More and more Ukrainian women are choosing professions that were previously dominated by men, including drivers, crane operators, loaders, and machine operators.
Four employers from the Poltava region were the first to join the programme. They applied to train five women as agricultural tractor drivers. The candidates have already been selected by the State Employment Service — among them are women with higher education, a person with a group 3 disability, and a woman who currently works as a storekeeper but wants to change her profession. The training will take place at the Interregional Centre for Professional Retraining in Khorol, Poltava Oblast.
The programme stipulates that the state will cover the cost of training up to UAH 30,280 (10 subsistence minimums for able-bodied persons). If the amount exceeds this limit, the difference can be paid by the employer or project participant. The duration of the training can be up to 10 months.
Yulia Zhovtyak, Director of the State Employment Service, emphasises that this initiative is not only about gender equality, but also about real economic opportunities for the country. Under martial law, each job becomes a contribution to victory, and women’s employment strengthens the well-being of families and communities.
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