Vox Populi went to the Women in Business conference in Kyiv on Feb. 27, sponsored by the American Councils for International Education.

What is the biggest challenge for a Ukrainian woman to build her career?


Oksana Panchuk

Deputy director of American Chamber of Commerce

“In the last 10 years, Ukraine made a big step forward in allowing talented women to develop their careers successfully. In my opinion, there is no gender discrimination in Ukraine regarding career opportunities. My challenge is to find people who share my point of view, regardless of whether they are men or women.”


Olena Lazorenko

President of League of Professional Women

“My biggest challenge was to find a way not to work 16 hours per day, as I’m a workaholic. Comparing Ukraine with my international experiences, I have to say that our women are inactive. Only around 25 percent of Ukrainian women are interested in professional growth.”


Vira Maksy­mova

Attache assistant on culture at the U.S. Embassy

“Where there is a will, there is a way. Those who strive for professional growth and are ready to put effort into it can achieve success. There is also a stereotype in Ukraine that women who have children can’t be successful in their careers. Many of my colleagues abroad have more than two children and manage to sustain a balance between their high posts and family.”


Iryna Kalyny­chenko

Director of operations for Precedent Academics

“It happens sometimes that my professional life goes too far into my personal life. On the one hand, balance in private life has a positive influence on work. On the other hand, some crisis at work has a negative impact on family life. I’m still looking for the balance.”