The mobilization of men into the army to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression has resulted in a deficit of skilled labor within the country. Meanwhile, the need for it continues to grow due to the daily destruction of our country’s infrastructure. This personnel shortage can be addressed by providing training to women in construction trades through vocational education programs. Not only does this initiative aid in the nation’s reconstruction efforts, but it also presents women with the opportunity to pursue well-paying careers, thereby ensuring financial stability.
At Romny Higher Vocational School, situated in the district center of Sumy Oblast, there’s been a gender boom this year: 22 young women have joined construction professions. Among them are individuals training to become installers of sanitary-technical systems and equipment, tilers, and welders.
"As a child, I loved playing with construction sets, and now it has become my profession, although the sets have become much more complex and require greater responsibility. My choice of a construction profession was inspired by my mother, who herself works as a crane operator."
Economic Empowerment: By training girls in construction-related VET programs, they gain access to skills that are in demand, even during times of war. This empowers them economically, enabling them to contribute to their families’ income and potentially support themselves independently.
"I chose construction profession because there is high demand for our expertise in rebuilding what is destroyed as a result of the Russian aggression."
Inna remembers deciding to pursue this profession after attending an open-day excursion at the institution. What impressed her the most were the workshops and practical sessions led by masters of professional training, including the Senior Master, Ruslana Haiduk.
Ruslana Haiduk began her career as a student at the same VET school. After completing her studies, she went to work, later deepened her knowledge and skills, and returned to the school as a mentor for youngsters. Now she works as a senior Master of Training.
“My students are the source of pride; everyone is interested in their profession. Both girls and boys are motivated: they know why they came here. Girls are even more eager than boys. They quickly grasp knowledge and skills in their professions. Boys, on the other hand, catch up with them.”
Gender Equality: Encouraging women to pursue traditionally male-dominated professions like construction promotes gender equality. It challenges established norms and stereotypes about what roles women can occupy, fostering a more inclusive society where women have equal opportunities in the workforce.
Girls are becoming interested in construction professions from a young age. During school vacations, pupils visit the vocational school for career orientation tours. Additionally, children are tested in school regarding their career choices. If a girl shows an inclination towards technical disciplines, she is encouraged to choose a corresponding profession. Furthermore, girls often heed the advice of their parents, observe the experiences of relatives or friends, and track in-demand professions.
Regarding employment for girls, there are no difficulties either. Senior students already know their places of work,” – emphasizes the deputy director of Romny Higher Vocational School, Nadiya Mishchenko. After all, installers of sanitary-technical systems and equipment, welders, painters, plasterers, and tilers are in high demand in the labor market.
The Odesa Center for Vocational Education is another institution under the EdUP project that can boast a large number of girls in construction professions. Out of 40 girls, including 17 first-year students, 16 are specializing in tiling, while 1 girl is enrolled to become an installer of plumbing equipment.
Olena Kryvoruchko, a future installer of plumbing systems and equipment, asserts that initially she wanted to become a cook, but upon her mother’s advice, she opted for a construction profession. After the first practical sessions conducted by a female master, Olena says she became confident in the correctness of her choice.
Her colleague, tiler Nataliya Krystya, mentions that she particularly enjoys creating beautiful interiors: tiling walls, floors, and developing various designer solutions.
The girls mention they don’t encounter any challenges being females in traditionally male-dominated professions, and they don’t experience any mocking or teasing from their male classmates.
Female students at the Odesa Vocational Education and Training school receive support from Deputy Principal Svitlana Alexandrova, who herself comes from a vocational education background. Initially, she studied in VET school, later worked as a master for 7 years, and eventually became deputy director of the Odessa Center for Vocational Education.
She explains that the prevalence of an increasing number of females in construction professions no longer surprises her. With the advancement of modern technologies, thanks to modern equipment and materials, the aspect of physically demanding labor is a thing of the past. Some choose traditionally male professions because they have examples from parents or friends, while others understand the prospect of earning good money by acquiring a sought-after skill in the job market, asserts Svitlana Aleksandrova.
In her opinion, war prompts women to take leadership positions in all spheres, which is a step towards gender equality and strengthening the role of women in society.
“There is no derogatory attitude or prejudice regarding the role of a female leader. Male leaders accept them equally and focus primarily on the results of the work, not gender.”
Community Development: Women in construction professions contribute to community development by bringing diverse perspectives and skills, enriching the industry, and fostering innovation. Moreover, their economic empowerment lifts families and communities out of poverty, promoting long-term stability.
Vocational education institutions in Romny and Odessa are not isolated examples in Ukraine. Girls pursuing careers as welders, installers of plumbing systems and equipment, and tilers can also be found in other schools partners of the EdUP project. This academic year, 119 female students in construction professions were enrolled in 29 EdUP partner schools, where they are mastering their skills.
