On October 4, the “Training and Employment of Women Truck Drivers” project was launched in Kyiv, opening up new opportunities for women to advance professionally within the transport industry. This project is implemented by the NGO Foundation for Institutional Development, initiated by the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, with support from USAID's Competitive Economy Program in Ukraine.

The event brought together government officials, business representatives, and participants who successfully passed the initial selection phases. The initiative provides participants with the necessary training to acquire a Category 'C' or 'CE' driver’s license and guarantees employment for those who complete the program. Additionally, the top-performing participants will undergo further training to meet European standards and receive an international commercial transport driver qualification. This pilot project will be conducted in four regions: Kyiv, Rivne, Ternopil, and Khmelnytskyi.

During the selection stage, more than 1,000 women and 25 transport companies expressed interest in participating in the project.

“The project demonstrates how the coordinated efforts of the state, business, and international partners contribute to the development of an inclusive economy and the involvement of women in professions where there is an acute staffing crisis. The interest in the initiative among women and businesses confirms the potential of such projects and the need to scale them to all regions of the country and involve even more partners. People are the main source of rebuilding the country, as they lay the foundation for further development and economic recovery of our country. Therefore, we must create all the conditions for the development of human potential,” Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine - Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine.

"A strong economy is key for Ukraine to win this war and win its future. This is why the United States is committed to supporting Ukraine’s businesses. We are working with the private sector and the government to tackle and close workforce gaps and help train new skills. We are also making sure the energy sector stays running, so businesses can operate, and we are supporting efforts to boost trade and exports," John Ginkel, The United States Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires.

"We are confident that this project opens up new opportunities for women to develop professionally and actively participate in strengthening the country's transport infrastructure. Negotiations are underway to scale up this initiative, attracting even more women to the logistics industry. As part of the pilot project, 25 large logistics companies have already expressed willingness to employ women who graduate from our training. At the same time, the project's fundamental goal is to engage women and create sustainable conditions for companies that will further attract women to this strategically important sector of the economy.

The project's strategic vision is to lay the foundations for long-term transformations in the transportation sector that will impact Ukraine's recovery and its integration into global logistics chains," Serhiy Derkach, Deputy Minister of Communities and Territories Development.

During the presentation, a memorandum was signed between business representatives and the NGO Foundation for Institutional Development, outlining continued support for the project and employment opportunities for graduates. This cooperation will contribute not only to the professional development of the participants but also to the strengthening of the economy of Ukraine.

"The uniqueness of the project lies not only in obtaining the necessary licence category and securing employment. Throughout the project, a series of lectures and training sessions are planned to help women become competitive in the labour market. For example, training on stress resilience and crisis communication with regulatory agencies. We will also support women at every stage: from training to mentorship during employment and preparation for job interviews.

The project fully aligns with our mission to create equal opportunities for everyone. It’s not only about women’s professional growth but also about fundamental societal change. The integration of women into the transport industry will contribute to enhancing the overall competitiveness and resilience of the economy, added Kateryna Datsko, Executive Director of the Foundation for Institutional Development.

The final selection of participants will be announced by October 8 on the project's official website. Results will be published in separate lists for category "C" and category "CE." The program includes practical sessions, training, and mentorship to ensure participants are well-prepared for job interviews.

"I am thrilled to be a part of this initiative and deeply grateful for the trust placed in me through the selection process. I want to assure everyone: we are strong, resilient, and hold ourselves to the highest standards. Together, we will confidently tackle any challenge and prove ourselves as valuable assets to our companies. I am grateful to the organizers for their support, clear communication, and transparency throughout. Alongside my fellow participants, I hope to demonstrate that driving a truck is not just a 'man's profession'—it's a field where women can excel just as well. All it takes is the drive to learn!" said Vira Babiy, a participant in the pilot project.

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