Advance HE to partner on a new programme in Ukraine focusing on supporting women’s leadership and driving systemic change in Ukrainian higher education

Advance HE is pleased to announce a new partnership with British Council Ukraine  
to deliver DOWIRA (Довіра), a leadership initiative for women in Ukrainian higher education.  

Developing Opportunities for Women’s Initiatives and Resilience in Academia (DOWIRA) is designed and delivered in partnership with British Council Ukraine and will strengthen women’s leadership, advance gender equality and build capacity for transformation across the Ukrainian higher education sector. 

DOWIRA (Довіра), which means trust and confidence in Ukrainian, combines international expertise in leadership development and gender equity with Ukrainian experience and practice. The concepts of trust and confidence sit at the heart of the programme which aims to support systemic change by strengthening women’s leadership to enhance institutional capacity across universities in Ukraine. 
 
Barbara Bassa, Senior Consultant (Women’s Leadership) at Advance HE will work alongside British Council Ukraine, Ukrainian higher education leaders, UK partners and a network of expert contributors to co-design and deliver a programme that invests both in individual leaders, and in the future of institutions and the wider sector.  
 
Barbara said, “Advance HE’s journey with this project began earlier this year when we organised a study visit to the UK for a delegation of Ukrainian higher education leaders who explored leadership development, governance, mentoring and women’s leadership initiatives across the sector. Those conversations evolved into a shared vision for a programme that responds to the realities of Ukrainian higher education and the opportunities that lie ahead. 

“I am proud to be directing a project that recognises the resilience, expertise and leadership potential of women across Ukraine. It’s exciting because it has the potential to deliver systemic change and I look forward to working with colleagues on this important journey.” 

The programme will begin in September 2026. For more information on DOWIRA (Довіра), please visit the British Council website