One of the strategic goals of the Chernihiv Polytechnic National University is to develop a model of combining education, science and innovation. In this context, the Centre for Gender Education of the Chernihiv Polytechnic National University works on the preparation of scientifically grounded recommendations, analytical reports, development of strategies, development programmes for local governments of Chernihiv region on the implementation of gender policy.

Thus, on 17 April 2025, an information session for communities on the topic ‘The Impact of Gender Mainstreaming on local policies’ was held at the regional office of ‘U-LEAD with Europe’ in Chernihiv region, with representatives of the Centre for Gender Education of the Chernihiv Polytechnic National University as speakers.

The purpose of the event was to inform local government representatives about the gender approach in the process of formulating and implementing local policies, as well as to promote understanding of how gender equality can increase efficiency, inclusiveness and social justice at the community level.

The event was opened by Iryna Kudryk, Head of the ‘U-LEAD with Europe’ Regional Office in Chernihiv region, who stressed the need to take gender equality into account in the context of increasing efficiency, inclusiveness and social justice at the community level.

In her opening remarks to the participants of the information session, Olha Melnyk, Vice-Rector for Scientific-Pedagogical Work and Social Development of Chernihiv Polytechnic National University, Head of the NGO ‘Centre for Gender Education’, stressed the importance of implementing a gender approach in local policies and shared her experience of working with communities to implement gender-sensitive initiatives.

The results of a sociological survey conducted within the framework of the project ‘Women as Agents of Social Cohesion and Recovery’ as part of the thematic initiative ‘Funding Window: Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment’ with the financial support of the French Government were presented by Alla Nitchenko, Head of the Gender Education Centre, Associate Professor of the Department of Law Enforcement and General Legal Disciplines, and Nataliia Shakun, Head of the Department of Philosophy and Social Sciences, Head of the Centre for Sociological Research and Social Audit at the Chernihiv Polytechnic National University.

The participants of the event discussed the challenges and prospects for implementing a gender approach at the community level, as well as the potential and obstacles for women’s participation in local recovery and social cohesion.