Not just a man’s job: Ukrainian women driving the energy reconstruction
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
While the enemy tries to plunge Ukraine into darkness, Ukrainian women are building a new energy system.
On March 14 in Kyiv, 51 graduates of the free Solar Step program officially stepped into new professional roles as project managers in solar power plant construction. This milestone marks the emergence of a new professional community — one capable not only of rebuilding what has been destroyed, but of setting new standards for Ukraine’s energy sector.
The program’s inclusivity makes this achievement even more significant. Among the graduates are internally displaced women rebuilding their lives from scratch, young mothers seeking professional growth, and women of more senior age whose experience became a foundation for mastering new technologies. For each of them, Solar Step became an opportunity to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery and strengthen its energy resilience.
What Stands Behind the Certificate?
The educational program, developed by the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation with the support of Mercy Corps and in partnership with KSE Graduate Business School, became an intensive intellectual marathon where theory served only as a foundation for deep практичної experience.
All lecturers and mentors were industry practitioners — top managers from companies that have already built hundreds of megawatts of solar capacity in Ukraine.
Over four months, participants immersed themselves in every stage of solar power plant development. They started with technical design and equipment selection, explored legal frameworks for land allocation and licensing under Ukrainian legislation, and mastered the “economics of solar” — from financial modeling to strategies for attracting multi-million international investments.
The journey concluded with modules in crisis management and leadership, where participants learned to manage contractors and oversee construction processes even under highly unpredictable conditions — equipping them to become versatile players in the energy market.
A Context That Shapes the Future
The strong interest in Solar Step reflects a global workforce shift. According to IRENA, solar energy has already become the world’s leading sector in job creation. In Ukraine, the National Energy and Climate Plan aims to nearly triple the share of renewable energy by 2030.
At the same time, over 75% of Ukrainian energy companies report a critical shortage of qualified managers.
This demand was clearly reflected in the program’s selection process: when applications opened in autumn 2025, 1,457 women applied. With 29 applicants per place, the competition demonstrated that Ukrainian women are ready not just to wait for victory, but to actively build the country’s energy security.
Today, after four months of intensive training, these women are equipped to turn sunlight into gigawatts — powering hospitals, schools, and communities. In this context, it is no surprise that several participants received job offers even before completing the program.
“We are witnessing an incredible transformation. Women who previously worked in marketing, law, or management are now calculating inverter capacities and coordinating renewable energy construction projects. Solar Step has proven that energy is a field of intellect and leadership — not gender,” — says Yuliana Onishchuk, CEO & Founder of the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation, curator and co-author of the program.
From Global Expertise to Real Career Opportunities
The program’s completion evolved into a dynamic energy forum, bringing together global and local perspectives.
Abigail Ross Hopper, former President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), joined the event online. She drew parallels between the development of the solar industry in the United States and Ukraine, encouraging graduates to become confident voices in the sector and to use women’s leadership as a strategic driver of growth. Project mentors further expanded this global perspective during an expert panel discussion.
The highlight of the event was the transition from learning to action. Instead of a traditional celebration, graduates immediately tested their skills at a dedicated Career Fair. Leading energy companies conducted rapid interviews on-site, transforming the business school space into an active recruitment hub.
This gave HR leaders the opportunity to assess the new professionals directly — and allowed participants to take their first real steps into a new career, with some receiving employment opportunities on the very day of graduation.
“Women’s leadership in solar energy is essential not only to address today’s workforce gap, but also to ensure that Ukraine’s recovery is more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable. These graduates represent a new generation of professionals who will shape the country’s energy future,” — says Vicki Aken, Country Director of Mercy Corps in Ukraine.
Solar energy is rapidly becoming Ukraine’s “new IT” — one of the most перспективних and innovative sectors of the economy.
The graduates of Solar Step represent the first large wave of professionals who will contribute to Ukraine’s energy independence by 2030, when the share of renewable energy is expected to reach 27%.
