Women's leadership

The Alliance of Her Ukraine Class 2026: Empowering Women to Lead and Shape Ukraine’s Future

In October 2026, the Alliance of Her Ukraine Class 2026, a political leadership programme for women, successfully concluded with its final session in the Carpathian Mountains. Over three sessions held in Kyiv, Lviv, and the Carpathians, participants from different regions of Ukraine strengthened their leadership skills, expanded their knowledge of politics, and joined a supportive community of women leaders committed to shaping the future of our country.

The programme, organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Ukraine, aims to empower women to pursue their political ambitions, develop their leadership potential, and drive positive change in their communities and across Ukraine.

Three Sessions, One Shared Mission

The first session took place in Kyiv from 16 to 19 July 2026. Participants explored their core values, developed their political missions and visions, and learned about strategic communications and personal branding. The programme also included discussions on Ukrainian and global politics, diplomacy, and the role of women in political leadership. Participants met with Ukrainian and European political representatives and visited the Diplomatic Academy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

The second session was held in Lviv from 20 to 23 August. It focused on negotiation, professional interviewing, political movement-building, and public trust. Through practical exercises, including a “Game of Thrones” simulation, participants put their negotiation skills into practice and explored ways to build effective political teams and strengthen cooperation. A visit to the Lviv Bureau of European Integration provided an opportunity to discuss international partnerships and cooperation between Ukrainian communities.

The final session took place in the Carpathian Mountains from 8 to 11 October. Participants focused on team management, delegation, conflict mediation, public speaking, and balancing leadership responsibilities with self-care. A traditional group hike offered time for reflection, connection, and inspiration.

The programme culminated in each of seventeen participant presenting her own leadership manifesto, outlining her vision and ambitions for the future.

Learning from Experienced Leaders

Throughout the programme, participants engaged with inspiring speakers and experts, including from Ukrainian and European politics. The sessions featured contributions from:

• Inna Sovsun, Member of Ukrainian Parliament, Holos Party;
• Jules Maaten, Head of FNF Europe, former Member of the European Parliament;
• Kari Odermann, political scientist and expert in strategic cmmunications and democratic resilience;
• Henrike Brandstötter, Member of the Austrian Parliament, NEOS Party;
• Raquel Garcia Hermida-van der Walle, Member of the European Parliament, D66 Party;
• Kira Rudyk, Member of the Ukrainian Parliament, Holos Party.

The programme was facilitated by Yuliya Tsybulska, AOH East and Southeast Europe alumna, Member of the Poltava Regional Council from Servant of the People Party and Iryna Akhmedova, FNF Ukraine project coordinator, who guided participants through practical exercises, discussions, and leadership development activities.

Building a Community of Women Leaders

Beyond the knowledge and practical skills gained, the Alliance of Her Ukraine Class 2026 created a space for women from diverse backgrounds to connect, exchange experiences, and support one another. Across the three sessions, participants developed meaningful relationships and became part of a community united by a shared commitment to a stronger, more democratic Ukraine.

As the programme concludes, the participants take their knowledge and motivation into their communities and professional lives. The connections built through the Alliance of Her will continue to provide a foundation for mutual support, cooperation, and meaningful change.

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Ukraine wishes all participants courage, confidence, and inspiration as they pursue their ambitions and contribute to Ukraine’s future

About The Alliance of Her

The Alliance of Her (AOH) — is an influential community of liberal women and their allies dedicated to ensuring women are in equal power and decision-making, that female leadership is valued, and that liberal women in European politics can thrive. The programme was established in Brussels and is implemented in different counties across Europe.

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