Women’s Leadership in Politics: From Representation to Influence

🎙️The panel “Women’s Leadership in Politics: From Representation to Influence” held as part of the Second World Forum of Ukrainian Women “Leadership. Action. Influence,” provided a space for candid discussion about the role of women in shaping public policy, decision-making, international cooperation, and community development.
During the discussion, participants spoke about how women’s leadership is changing in the context of war, and why women’s representation in government is no longer just a matter of quotas, but a matter of real influence, responsibility, and participation in the country’s recovery.
The following speakers shared their experiences and perspectives:
• Sofia Fedina – Member of the Ukrainian Parliament, member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy.
• Natalia Havatuk – Deputy Head of the Kyiv Regional State Administration.
• Tetiana Kudina – Deputy Head of UN Women in Ukraine.
• Francesca Toninato – Head of the Economic and Commercial Section at the Italian Embassy in Kyiv.
• Olga Orlova – Head of the Swiss branch of the Association of Ukrainian Women Ambassadors @olha_orlova
• Iryna Tyshko – Chair of the “Women’s Political Action” Civic Alliance.
• Yana Chivildeeva – Member of the Hirska Village Council, Head of “Dія.Center.” @yana87ch
• Olena Krasovska – Member of the 8th convocation of the Novokakhovka City Council, Founder of the Charitable Organization “International Charitable Foundation ‘Novokakhovka Is Ukraine’” @olena_borysivna_
• Kateryna Chernogorenko – Head of the Digitalization Program at the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine (2023–2025).
During the panel, special attention was given to the topics of women’s participation in public administration, digitalization, international support for Ukraine, advocacy for gender equality, the development of local self-government, and the role of women in strategic decision-making during wartime.
This was a panel about women who not only represent but also make a difference. It was about leadership shaped by experience, responsibility, professionalism, and daily work for the country.