On March 1-2, 2024, UETS gathered nearly 90 women on campus and 20 more online for its Women in Leadership Conference. Today, as we enter the third year of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the relevance and importance of this conference are higher than ever. With many new war-related challenges that our society and our churches are facing and with many of our men being at the frontline, many women are taking on new responsibilities that require leadership skills. Therefore, it is vital for us to invest in growing women leaders in Ukraine who will be able to serve with their God-given gifts in our churches as well as other areas of our society.
The topic of the conference was “Here and Now” – speakers from various walks of life – NGOs, business, church leaders – held seminars focusing on how women can be equipped to be most effective right here and right now, what women can do to become an answer to the most acute needs that we spot at this very moment in the history of our country and the community we live in, how to make important decisions here and now, use resources wisely, care for yourself and others, and develop skills that will help women be more effective in using their God-given gifts.
During the panel discussion, the speakers discussed factors that support women in developing their leadership skills, talked about the shift of women’s responsibilities since the start of the war, and what particular skills and attitudes the women should focus on developing at this time.
In between seminars and panel talks, the participants had a chance to network with one another and find opportunities to exchange their experience, ideas, and resources, as well as form bonds to support each other in their current and future endeavors to serve God with their gifts in the best way possible.