On 2-3 May, ALDE Party President Svenja Hahn led a high-level delegation to Ukraine reaffirming the European liberal’s unwavering support and exploring the vital role of female political leaders during times of crisis and conflict.
The Women’s Leadership in Times of War Forum, organised by ALDE Party, our member Sluga Narodu in Ukraine and its women’s wing Ze! Zhinky, was part of a series of events marking the 10th anniversary of the Alliance Of Her, our initiative dedicated to empowering liberal women in politics.
The delegation included ALDE Party Vice-Presidents Eva Kjer Hansen (Venstre, DK), Lucia Plaváková (Progressive Slovakia, SK) and Yevheniia Kravchuk (Servant of the People, UA) as well as members of national and European Parliament.
On 2 May, President Hahn, Vice-President Kravchuk and Sluga Narodu leader Olena Shuliak opened the Forum with keynote speeches before a series of panel discussions on women’s leadership in various aspects of government.
Over the two-day mission, they met with various representatives of the Ukrainian government and parliament such as Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, and Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine.
“Ukrainian women are leading not only in rebuilding and resisting - but in shaping a democratic, European future. I was so moved and impressed by their commitment and passion despite all the horrors and russian terror they and their loved ones suffered. Their fight is our fight. Because when liberal women lead, we all thrive,” said President Hahn.
On 3 May, the delegation travelled to visit the towns of Chernihiv and Yahidne, sites severely impacted by Russia’s aggression, and met with frontline women leading in defence, recovery, and essential services in Chernihiv Region.
This mission underscores ALDE Party’s support to Ukraine in the fight for democracy against autocratic regimes and our commitment to amplifying the voices of the women who are leading their country’s fight for freedom and shaping its future.
Click here for all the pictures from the mission.