Women’s economic empowerment is essential to promoting women’s rights and gender equality. Central to this effort is employment, which not only fosters financial independence but also drives personal growth and achievement.

Anna Zavertaylo is co-owner of a bakery and a café volunteering to support local people in Kyiv during the Russian invasion.

Karyna Starodubtseva is a Bachelor of Law student at the Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University, Severodonetsk. Today, more than half the world’s population is under 30 years of age. Students and youth are the new generation of leaders and changemakers, and it is critically important to understand their priorities as we shape the gender equality movement to change the world.