The National Technical University «KhPI» hosted an International Roundtable titled «Women in Engineering: Global Opportunities and Professional Communities». The event served as a platform for discussing pathways for women’s professional development in STEM. Representatives from the fields of education, science, engineering, the IT sector, and civil society organizations from Ukraine and Nigeria participated in the online discussion. The initiative aimed to familiarize participants with international programs, professional communities, and tools for career growth. Speakers from Kharkiv Polytechnic University shared best practices for supporting women in technical fields. The meeting resulted in new professional connections, an exchange of experiences, and the launch of future joint initiatives.
Hanna Zavolodko, Associate Professor in the Department of Multimedia, Internet Technologies, and Systems at the NTU «KhPI» and Ambassador for IEEE Women in Engineering Day 2026 in Ukraine, welcomed the participants of the international roundtable «Women in Engineering: Global Opportunities and Professional Communities.» She emphasized that professional communities serve as a platform for exchanging knowledge and finding partners for new initiatives. The speaker presented survey results showing that over 74% of respondents recognize the significant role of such associations in professional development, although a substantial portion has not yet joined them. In their presentations at the online event, Associate Professor of the Department of Computer Engineering and Programming at NTU «KhPI» Svitlana Gavrylenko and Associate Professor of the Department of Automated Electromechanical Systems at NTU «KhPI» Larysa Asmolova highlighted the importance of international conferences, academic mobility, research projects, and professional associations as key tools for shaping modern researchers.
Another focus of the Roundtable discussion was STEM education, social challenges, and security issues. Dr. Chioma Violet Oleka, Chair of the IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Section in Nigeria, Head of the Department of Computer Engineering at ESUT, and IEEE WIE 2026 Ambassador, presented on the experience of implementing STEM initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa. In particular, she discussed a program to engage women in technical education, the promotion of mathematics, and IEEE’s volunteer educational activities. Dr. Chioma Violet Oleka highlighted the issue of limited access to education for women and the importance of systematic support. For her part, Tetiana Botsian, a representative of the Kharkiv IT Cluster, speaking at the online event, outlined opportunities for development through professional communities, educational programs, international projects, and open learning platforms. And Maria Moroz, a member of the Ukrainian Industrial Cluster, emphasized the importance of engaging students early on in professional associations. Olena Biletska, head of the NGO «Ukrainian Women’s Guard,» also served as a speaker at the roundtable «Women in Engineering: Global Opportunities and Professional Communities,» where she addressed issues of information and digital security, the development of critical thinking, and countering information threats. She emphasized the importance of the human factor in strengthening societal resilience.
In addition, participants in the international online event discussed the opportunities offered by IEEE Women in Engineering, including leadership programs, grant support, scholarships, awards, mentoring initiatives, and volunteer projects that open up new prospects for women in STEM. The meeting culminated in a shared recognition of common values—mutual support and societal development through education and technology. Special mention was made of the establishment of new professional connections and the launch of international initiatives.
Note:
IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Women in Engineering) is an international professional network within the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, IEEE), headquartered in the United States, which brings together professionals from over 100 countries to support and advance women in STEM fields. Initiatives are carried out through a network of university and regional chapters. The organization aims to attract women to technical professions, provide grants and scholarships, and create platforms for mentoring and developing the leadership potential of female researchers.
IEEE WIE Day is a global initiative by IEEE Women in Engineering aimed at supporting and promoting women’s achievements in STEM. It is a two-week series of events that begins on June 23 (International Women in Engineering Day) and runs through July 7. During this period, themed events led by ambassadors take place in various countries. As part of the initiative, on June 23, 2026, the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» (NTU «KhPI») hosted an international roundtable titled «Women in Engineering: Global Opportunities and Professional Communities.»
STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Within the STEM approach, these disciplines are studied in an integrated manner, with an emphasis on the practical application of knowledge.