In a powerful demonstration of resilience and commitment, 40 Ukrainian women participated in the Women Leadership Program, a collaboration between MIM Kyiv and IMD. Supported by the Lundin Foundation, this joint program is designed to equip women with the advanced leadership skills needed to run organizations and companies in Ukraine, especially considering the ongoing war.
Approximately 270 applications were received for the 40 spots, with participants representing a diverse range of sectors including business, public administration, and civil society organizations, such as charities and public-private partnerships.
“I am so impressed by the participants of this program, and I feel very privileged that we as IMD can contribute to their learning journey. I am also very grateful to Christine Batruch from Lundin. Without her and Lundin’s support, we would not be where we are.” said Knut Haanaes, Professor of Strategy and Lundin Chair Professor of Sustainability and Program Director.
As many Ukrainian men are involved in the ongoing conflict with Russia, women have increasingly stepped into senior leadership roles across the private and public sectors. The program, which ran from June through September last year, included three fully online modules: General Management, Leadership Essentials, and Strategic Thinking.
“Using the knowledge and materials from the course, I’m trying to popularize the idea of women being in leadership in business,” said program participant Yana Romanenko. “I want to nurture Ukrainian women to become more powerful and to become leaders in business, in government, and in society.”
The program’s main goal is to strengthen the leadership capabilities of Ukrainian women by helping them navigate the complexities of leading organizations during the conflict with Russia.
In January 2025, participants presented their group projects during a virtual ceremony, where faculty and program directors praised their inspiring work, commitment, and resilience.
Given the success of this pilot program, plans are already in place to continue offering it in June 2025.
Read more about Yana Romanenko’s experience.
