On August 11, 2026, the Vice-Rector of Chernihiv Polytechnic National University took part in a training workshop and expert discussion on “Care Economy in Ukraine under Conditions of Demographic Changes and Labour Market Transformation.”

The event took place in a hybrid format within the framework of the international initiative EQUANOMICS. The lead trainer for the seminar was Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Ella Libanova, Director of the Ptukha Institute for Demography and Quality of Life Research of the NAS of Ukraine

During the workshop, participants discussed a number of issues critically important to society, including the impact of demographic and security changes on the labour market and the social needs of various population groups, data accessibility and usage related to implementing gender-sensitive approaches, creating a barrier-free environment, and eliminating obstacles to the development of the care economy. Issues of inclusion and support for vulnerable population groups – which serve as the foundation of the care economy – find real practical implementation at our university.

During an interactive discussion, Olha Melnyk shared the practical experience of Chernihiv Polytechnic National University, which is already successfully implementing the principles of the care economy in practice. In particular, the discussion highlighted the implementation experience of the project “Confident and Modern” for women aged 60+. This initiative is carried out by the NGO “Centre for Gender Education” in partnership with Chernihiv Polytechnic National University, with financial support from the Ukrainian Women’s Fund.

This project is a direct reflection of the care economy ideology, as it provides its participants with: