Since the start of the full-scale war, Ukraine’s labor market has undergone dramatic changes. Industries traditionally considered “male” — construction, carpentry, transportation — have faced an acute shortage of workers. Against this backdrop, the idea emerged to involve women in professions that were previously closed to them. Civil society organizations embraced this concept, launching training programs. One such initiative is the “School of Craftswomen,” created by the NGO Building Ukraine Together (BUR) with support from the RAZOM Foundation and in partnership with the Lviv Vocational College of Applied Arts and Design.
“The School of Craftswomen is a program that helps women gain professional skills and confidence. Its goal is to open access to the construction sector, break stereotypes about ‘male’ professions, and promote economic independence,” reports Humanitarian Media Hub.
This year, 25 women from different regions joined the training. Most are from small communities, internally displaced persons, or those who lost jobs due to the war. Over the course of a month, participants learned carpentry and painting, studied project management and budgeting, and took part in workshops and hands-on sessions.
Natalia, one of the participants, says she learned about the program through a BUR post and immediately applied. She mastered carpentry skills and plans to open her own workshop for making wooden toys. Another participant, Maria, notes that the knowledge she gained will help her renovate her new home and possibly start a career in furniture production.
Organizers emphasize that such initiatives not only create new opportunities for women but also help communities overcome the consequences of war by building a skilled workforce for Ukraine’s recovery.
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