Ukrainian women leading the green transformation: a unique training program has started

05/ 11/ 2025

The free educational program Solar Step has opened new opportunities for 50 Ukrainian women in the field of solar energy. In early November 2025, a free training course “Project Management in Solar Power Plant Construction” was launched in Kyiv as part of the Solar Step program by the Ukrainian charity foundation - Energy Act for Ukraine. The course is designed for women who aspire to develop careers in renewable energy — a sector that stands at the heart of Ukraine’s energy independence and recovery. The project is implemented by the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation with the support of Mercy Corps and the educational partner KSE Graduate Business School. Women in energy: a new stage in rebuilding the country. The full-scale war, severe damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and the urgent need for energy independence have made renewable energy a strategic sector for the country. Currently, renewables account for over 10% of Ukraine’s total electricity generation, and according to the National Plan, the government aims to increase this share to 27% by 2030. However, despite the industry’s rapid development, women still make up less than 30% of professionals in this field in Ukraine. That is why the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation launched the Solar Step program — an educational initiative aimed at expanding career opportunities for women and strengthening the industry with qualified specialists capable of managing energy projects. Solar Step: from idea to real opportunities. The training course “Project Management in Solar Power Plant Construction” provides participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in managing solar energy projects. During the first stage of selection, held from September 1 to October 8, 2025, the organizers received 1,457 applications. Based on a competitive selection process, 50 women were chosen to participate in the course free of charge. Over four months, participants will complete four key modules, work on practical projects, take tests, and attend interactive workshops. The course is implemented in a hybrid format — with online sessions twice a week in the evenings and two in-person meetings at the beginning and end of the program. The uniqueness and relevance of the course. The program is built around current market needs and is taught exclusively by industry practitioners with hands-on experience in solar energy and positions in leading Ukrainian companies. Each participant will receive mentorship support, have opportunities to network with industry leaders and employers, and may apply for a paid internship after completing the course. “Ukrainian women are becoming the driving force of recovery — resilient, forward-looking, and determined. Solar Step is not just a course; it’s an entry point into a profession that is transforming Ukraine’s energy landscape,” said Yuliana Onishchuk, Founder and CEO of the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation. “Solar Step is about partnership — strengthening Ukraine’s economy, supporting its energy independence, and amplifying the voices of women in a field traditionally seen as male-dominated. Together, we are shaping a new generation of female leaders in Ukraine’s energy sector. This transformation goes beyond one industry — it reshapes Ukrainian society itself,” added Valentyna Sakhno, Head of KSE Business School. Education as a driver of energy independence. In the midst of an energy crisis — with over 70% of the country’s generation capacity damaged — solar power has become one of the most effective tools to ensure continuous electricity supply. At the same time, war and migration have caused a severe shortage of skilled professionals: over 75% of employers report a lack of qualified specialists. Solar Step responds to this challenge by combining professional education, real career opportunities, and women’s leadership development in a strategically important sector. “It’s an honor for us to be part of this initiative,” said Vitalii Savych, Energy Advisor at Mercy Corps. “Developing renewable energy is exactly the direction we want to support. Today, solar energy is like the new IT — a dynamic, promising sector with enormous growth potential. There are already more opportunities than professionals, and I’m confident that those who complete this course will have every chance to build a successful career in this field.” Solar Step is not only about education — it’s about change, shaping a new energy culture in Ukraine today. * * * About the Foundation The Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation provides solar energy solutions for critical infrastructure affected by Russian aggression in Ukraine through its campaigns “100 Solar Schools,” “50 Solar Hospitals,” and “Solar Water Utilities.” The Foundation installs hybrid solar power stations with energy storage systems for social and critical infrastructure facilities to ensure access to education, enable uninterrupted medical services, and promote a sustainable future for Ukrainian communities. The Foundation’s mission is to cultivate a culture of conscious resource consumption among Ukrainians. To this end, it also conducts the “Sustainable Development and Green Energy” educational course for children, helping them learn about sustainability, renewable energy, and eco-friendly habits. Nearly 2,000 children have already completed the course. The Foundation has been recognized at the National Charity Contest “Charitable Ukraine” in 2024 and 2025, and was awarded the “Green Initiative of the Year” prize in Brussels (2023). It is a member of Solar Power Europe, the UN Global Compact Energy Initiative, and since early 2024, part of a consortium of environmental organizations implementing the Renewable Energy Project in Ukraine. Media Contact: Olena Berehova, Head of PR & Communications, Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation [email protected] Website, Linkedin, Youtube, Facebook, Instagram

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The free educational program Solar Step has opened new opportunities for 50 Ukrainian women in the field of solar energy.

In early November 2025, a free training course “Project Management in Solar Power Plant Construction” was launched in Kyiv as part of the Solar Step program by the Ukrainian charity foundation – Energy Act for Ukraine.

The course is designed for women who aspire to develop careers in renewable energy — a sector that stands at the heart of Ukraine’s energy independence and recovery.

The project is implemented by the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation with the support of Mercy Corps and the educational partner KSE Graduate Business School.

Women in energy: a new stage in rebuilding the country

The full-scale war, severe damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and the urgent need for energy independence have made renewable energy a strategic sector for the country.

Currently, renewables account for over 10% of Ukraine’s total electricity generation, and according to the National Plan, the government aims to increase this share to 27% by 2030.

However, despite the industry’s rapid development, women still make up less than 30% of professionals in this field in Ukraine.

That is why the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation launched the Solar Step program — an educational initiative aimed at expanding career opportunities for women and strengthening the industry with qualified specialists capable of managing energy projects.

Solar Step: from idea to real opportunities

The training course “Project Management in Solar Power Plant Construction” provides participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in managing solar energy projects.

During the first stage of selection, held from September 1 to October 8, 2025, the organizers received 1,457 applications. Based on a competitive selection process, 50 women were chosen to participate in the course free of charge.

Over four months, participants will complete four key modules, work on practical projects, take tests, and attend interactive workshops.

The course is implemented in a hybrid format — with online sessions twice a week in the evenings and two in-person meetings at the beginning and end of the program.

The uniqueness and relevance of the course

The program is built around current market needs and is taught exclusively by industry practitioners with hands-on experience in solar energy and positions in leading Ukrainian companies.

Each participant will receive mentorship support, have opportunities to network with industry leaders and employers, and may apply for a paid internship after completing the course.

“Ukrainian women are becoming the driving force of recovery — resilient, forward-looking, and determined. Solar Step is not just a course; it’s an entry point into a profession that is transforming Ukraine’s energy landscape,” said Yuliana Onishchuk, Founder and CEO of the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation.

“Solar Step is about partnership — strengthening Ukraine’s economy, supporting its energy independence, and amplifying the voices of women in a field traditionally seen as male-dominated. Together, we are shaping a new generation of female leaders in Ukraine’s energy sector. This transformation goes beyond one industry — it reshapes Ukrainian society itself,” added Valentyna Sakhno, Head of KSE Business School.

Education as a driver of energy independence

In the midst of an energy crisis — with over 70% of the country’s generation capacity damaged — solar power has become one of the most effective tools to ensure continuous electricity supply.

At the same time, war and migration have caused a severe shortage of skilled professionals: over 75% of employers report a lack of qualified specialists.

Solar Step responds to this challenge by combining professional education, real career opportunities, and women’s leadership development in a strategically important sector.

“It’s an honor for us to be part of this initiative,” said Vitalii Savych, Energy Advisor at Mercy Corps. “Developing renewable energy is exactly the direction we want to support. Today, solar energy is like the new IT — a dynamic, promising sector with enormous growth potential. There are already more opportunities than professionals, and I’m confident that those who complete this course will have every chance to build a successful career in this field.”

Solar Step is not only about education — it’s about change, shaping a new energy culture in Ukraine today.

* * *

About the Foundation

The Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation provides solar energy solutions for critical infrastructure affected by Russian aggression in Ukraine through its campaigns “100 Solar Schools,” “50 Solar Hospitals,” and “Solar Water Utilities.”

The Foundation installs hybrid solar power stations with energy storage systems for social and critical infrastructure facilities to ensure access to education, enable uninterrupted medical services, and promote a sustainable future for Ukrainian communities.

The Foundation’s mission is to cultivate a culture of conscious resource consumption among Ukrainians. To this end, it also conducts the “Sustainable Development and Green Energy” educational course for children, helping them learn about sustainability, renewable energy, and eco-friendly habits.

Nearly 2,000 children have already completed the course.

The Foundation has been recognized at the National Charity Contest “Charitable Ukraine” in 2024 and 2025, and was awarded the “Green Initiative of the Year” prize in Brussels (2023).

It is a member of Solar Power Europe, the UN Global Compact Energy Initiative, and since early 2024, part of a consortium of environmental organizations implementing the Renewable Energy Project in Ukraine.

Media Contact: Olena Berehova, Head of PR & Communications, Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation [email protected]

Website, Linkedin, Youtube, Facebook, Instagram