U-Lead: Leadership Programme for Displaced Ukrainian Women in the Baltic States and Ukraine
Find Ukrainian version here (Українська версія за посиланням): https://ukreatehub.eu/u-empower/
Ukreate Hub invites forcibly displaced Ukrainian women living in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, or internally displaced within Ukraine to apply for the year-long women’s leadership development programme U-Lead.
U-Lead is a unique international women’s leadership development programme designed to support and empower forcibly displaced Ukrainian women in the Baltic States and Ukraine. Through training, mentorship, psychosocial support, and the implementation of their own projects, participants will gain the knowledge, tools, and support network needed to turn their ideas into real change.
Applications open until 2 August: https://forms.gle/pS3Uxfo8HYh8vTcAA
Participation is free
Programme duration: October 2026 – October 2027
Format: Online + three in-person meetings in Lithuania with travel, accommodation, and food costs covered by the organisers.
Language: The programme is conducted in Ukrainian, with English used where needed. We will ensure equal access to information for all participants regardless of their English proficiency.
Why does this programme matter?
Displaced Ukrainian women are not simply aid recipients. They are highly skilled individuals with real leadership potential. Yet forced displacement has caused many of them to lose their professional identity, connections, and visibility – and they often lack access to environments where they can act, influence, and contribute.
U-Lead is a space where potential becomes leadership, and leadership becomes real change in the community. Most leadership development programmes start with skills – but before talking about strategies, impact, and projects, it is important to create space for recovery, identity rebuilding, and replenishing inner resources. Sustainable leadership is built not only on what you can do, but on who you are. Unlike most leadership programmes, U-Lead creates exactly that kind of space.
Who is this programme for?
The programme is aimed at displaced Ukrainian women in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, as well as internally displaced women in Ukraine, who:
– have leadership potential and the motivation to act;
– are ready to develop and implement their own initiatives;
– aspire to contribute to their community.
Prior leadership experience is an advantage but not a requirement. What matters most is motivation and readiness to act.
Selection is competitive. Places are limited – 100 participants across four countries (10 places reserved for internally displaced women in Ukraine; 90 for Ukrainian women in the Baltic States).
What does each participant receive?
– A 3-day in-person retreat* for rest and recovery in Lithuania before the programme launch
– a space to connect and build community in a calm atmosphere.
– Mentorship throughout the entire learning process.
– Regular group psychological support sessions throughout the programme, in consistent small groups.
– 12 leadership training modules — covering personal, social, civic, and project leadership.
– Resources and support to implement their own initiative.
– The opportunity to participate in an in-person pitching event** and secure funding for their project.
– Grant funding for selected initiatives.
– 2 in-person events* in Lithuania: one after the training phase and one at the close of the full programme.
– Membership in an international community of Ukrainian women leaders, with ongoing support and collaboration.
*organisers cover travel, accommodation, and meals.
**to participate in pitching, participants must attend 80% of training modules.
Programme Timeline
11 June – 2 August 2026 – Open applications. Candidates complete an application form describing their experience, motivation, leadership potential, and vision for their development.
3–10 August 2026 – Application review and shortlisting of candidates for the second selection stage.
11 August 2026 – Announcement of candidates advancing to the second stage, along with the video message task.
11–20 August 2026 – Recording and submission of video messages. A video message is a short video (up to 5 minutes) in which the candidate answers three questions. No preparation or script is needed — we want to hear you, not a polished presentation.
By 31 August 2026 – Final selection and announcement of programme participants.
16–18 October 2026 – Retreat and programme opening ceremony. Participants will meet one another, form a community of like-minded women, receive tools for building personal resilience, and begin their leadership journey.
October 2026 – March 2027 – Training phase, including workshops, trainings, mentorship, practical assignments, and work on participants’ own project ideas.
Late March – early April 2027 – Project pitching event, where participants present their initiatives and have the opportunity to secure support for their implementation.
April – September 2027 – Project implementation, supported by the programme team, mentors, and experts.
October 2027 – Final programme event dedicated to presenting project outcomes, sharing experiences, reflecting on the journey, and developing the alumnae network.
Programme Training Modules
Module 1. Leadership after Forced Displacement
Module 2. Self-Awareness and Authentic Leadership
Module 3. Adaptive Leadership in Times of Change
Module 4. Strategic Thinking and Systemic Change Module 5. Communication, Storytelling, and Media Engagement
Module 6. Negotiation and Influence
Module 7. Advocacy, Democracy, and Civic Participation
Module 8. Community Leadership and Partnership Building
Module 9. Digital Leadership and Information Resilience
Module 10. Social Innovation and Entrepreneurial Thinking
Module 11. Project Management and Resource Mobilisation
Module 12. Project Pitching and Impact Presentation
Each module will last up to three hours with breaks, combining theoretical and practical components. Modules will take place every two weeks. A detailed schedule will be shared with participants closer to the start of the programme. During the training phase, participants will receive assignments reviewed by coordinators.
Programme Outcomes
– A clear understanding of their own leadership identity and strengths.
– Practical skills in leadership, communication, project management, and navigating change.
–Greater self-confidence, resilience, and readiness to take on leadership roles.
– Mentorship and learning from experts in Ukraine and the Baltic States.
– The opportunity to implement their own project and create a positive impact in their community.
– New professional connections and access to an international community of women leaders.
Trainers and Speakers
Olena Markina
Olena is a psychologist, coach, and consultant working at the intersection of clinical psychology, coaching, and organisational development. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology (UCU), is certified in Brain-Based Coaching, and works within a trauma-informed framework.
She came to psychology after nearly twenty years in senior People & Culture roles across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Her practice focuses on identity, self-worth, and imposter syndrome during periods of major transition. In the U-Lead programme, she leads the modules on self-awareness and authentic leadership and mentors participants.
The list will be updated soon!
How to Apply
Complete the registration form and take the first step towards a new chapter in your leadership journey! https://forms.gle/pS3Uxfo8HYh8vTcAA
Still have questions or want to learn more about the programme? Join our online information sessions! Mark the dates and register here: https://forms.gle/jBecd5RU7fsyXapB9
8 July – 16:00
22 July – 16:00
The programme is implemented by Ukreate Hub and Open Lithuania Foundation with the support of the Swiss programme to reduce economic and social disparities in the European Union (Swiss–Europe Contribution).