She Drives: Winter School for Bus and Truck Drivers

About 30 project participants who have already received category D, C, and CE driver's licenses took part in the Winter School for Female Bus and Truck Drivers as part of the She Drives project. Photo: UN Women/Anton Borysiuk

As part of the She Drives project for the training and employment of female bus and truck drivers, a Winter School was held for the participants.

Over two intensive days, participants not only gained new knowledge but also built connections, openly discussed professional challenges, and jointly sought answers to questions related to career development.

In particular, the participants completed a training module on safe driving in extreme weather conditions delivered by Oleksandr Ziershchykov, driving instructor and founder of the Modern Drivers Club. Participants received both theoretical and practical guidance on driving buses and trucks in winter, explored typical road risks, and learned action algorithms for difficult and non-standard situations.

An important part of the learning programme was a first aid training conducted by the Ukrainian Red Cross Society. Participants practiced actions in the event of road traffic accidents and emergencies and strengthened their practical skills in providing pre-medical aid.

A separate focus was placed on career development. Kateryna Zhuchenia, a Happy Monday’s expert, led a session on professional opportunities in the transport sector, building a desired career trajectory, motivation, and self-confidence.

A practical continuation of this topic was a job fair, where employers from the passenger and freight transport sectors presented current vacancies and employment conditions. The fair was attended by Kyivpastrans Municipal Enterprise, Zaporizhelectrotrans Municipal Enterprise, City Trolleybus Municipal Enterprise, Poltavaelectrotrans Municipal Enterprise, as well as private companies: Zelenyi Slon 7, KLR, Trans-Logistik, Fozzy Group Logistics, and MHP.

In addition, a strategic session was held to establish an Association of Women in the Transport Sector. Together with facilitator Nataliia Seliukova, participants worked on a shared vision of the mission, role, and values of the future association, and discussed formats for cooperation, advocacy, and mutual support within the professional community.

“This event reminded me why all this matters. When you face disappointment, unfulfilled promises, and devaluation from the market, it is very easy to give up. But communicating with women who have truly changed their lives and found themselves in the transport sector restores faith and inner strength. Such meetings inspire, create a sense of community, and for several days, recharge you with confidence that you have potential and that it is worth continuing to try. Thank you for creating a space that supports and helps you not to give up,” said Larysa Pavlushko, bus driver, She Drives project participant.

“I really enjoyed the session by Oleksandr Ziershchykov. He shared information that will be useful on the road. For me, this event became a real confirmation that I am on the right path. Two days were not enough; they were so intense, warm, and valuable. The atmosphere, the content, the people, everything was of a very high standard. For me, this was great support and motivation. I sincerely thank you for this experience,” said Valentyna Chernova, truck driver, She Drives project participant.

The project "Expanding the professional potential of women in the field of transportation" is being implemented by the NGO Foundation for Institutional Development on the initiative of the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, in partnership with UN Women and under the financial support from the governments of France, Poland, and Sweden.