On 27 March, the women’s forum “Women’s Leadership and Entrepreneurship in Times of Challenge” took place in Kropyvnytskyi, bringing together women‑leaders, businesswomen, representatives of the public sector, and international organizations to discuss key issues of development, resilience, and cooperation.
The event was organized by the “Business Woman Club” business club and the Kropyvnytskyi Regional Women’s Initiative, with the support of the Kirovohradska Regional Council, the State Tax Service of Ukraine, the Ukrainian National Intellectual Property and Innovation Office, the State Employment Center, LLC “Agroresource‑A,” and the Office of the Ombudsman of Ukraine, while partners included the PE “St. Luke’s Hospital,” Svitanok Ukraine (World Ukrainians), and Business Woman magazine.
The forum opened with welcoming remarks from Dmytro Lubinets, the Ombudsman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and Hennadiy Ursol, General Director of the Acinus Medical Center, who emphasized the pivotal role of women in building a resilient society, strengthening the economy, and safeguarding human rights during wartime.
The first session was moderated by Maria Chorna, Board member of Business Woman Club and head of the NGO “Kropyvnytskyi Regional Women’s Initiative,” who set a high‑level tone for the discussion on women’s role in public administration, politics, and international cooperation. Within this track, Lesia Karnaukh, Acting Head of the State Tax Service of Ukraine, focused on transforming the tax system, creating transparent conditions for doing business, and the importance of supporting entrepreneurs. Halyna Luhova, Representative of the Ombudsman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in Kirovohradska Oblast, highlighted the protection of women’s rights and the need for accessible state support mechanisms. Nadiia Yudayeva, Head of the business‑support track at FCDO Bloom, presented the opportunities of international programs, grant tools, and the prospects for developing women‑led entrepreneurship in collaboration with donors. Oksana Schoorli, head of the Ukrainian‑German organization Nord Haus UA e.V., stressed the importance of international partnership and the integration of Ukrainian women into European business networks.
The second session was moderated by Ania Krysiuk, President of “Business Woman Club,” shifting the discussion to the practical aspects of running a business amid war and uncertainty. Olena Orliuk, Head of the Ukrainian National Intellectual Property and Innovation Office, emphasized the need to protect intellectual property, register brands, and foster innovation even in times of crisis. Tetyana Orlova, founder of Tetyana Orlova Studio TO_NAILS_STUDIO, shared her own experience adapting a business to new realities and underlined flexibility and client‑orientation. Liudmyla Boichenko, Director of PE “Alfa‑Zemproekt” and business trainer in leadership and scaling, explored the development of leadership skills, business growth strategies, and the inner resilience of women entrepreneurs. Tetyana Virienko, Vice President of the Kirovohradska Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry, focused on business‑support tools and opportunities for entrepreneurial development at the regional level. Oleksandra Tkachenko, founder of the network of licensed private educational institutions “Smart Buhlik,” shared her experience creating and scaling an educational business, highlighting the importance of investing in children’s development as a foundation for the future.
To support their fellow club members, participants also included Yulia Sliman — owner of agribusiness enterprises LLC “KHIMMINERAL UKRAINE” and LLC “HMU LOGISTICS,” as well as Olha Pavlenko — President of the National Kickboxing Federation of Ukraine.
The forum became not only a platform for professional discussions but also a space for inspiration, consolidation, and the formation of new partnerships. Participants gained practical tools, up‑to‑date knowledge, and confirmation that women’s leadership today is a powerful driving force of change in Ukraine.
Read also: Spiritual Unity for Victory: Regional Women’s Prayer Breakfast Held in Kropyvnytskyi
Photo: Business Woman