In the words of Ivanna Levchenko: “I am proud that students and professors at my University can discuss any tough topics and spread the idea of gender equality”

Ivanna Levchenko is a second-year student at the Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman. She is also a member of AIESEC organization which aims to bridge the gap between countries and people. 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. Created by UN Women, the HeForShe solidarity movement in Ukraine has launched the HeForShe University Tour. This is a chance to listen and learn from students about the issues and opportunities they see when it comes to achieving gender equality.

In the city where I was raised, a woman does not have decision-making power in the family nor possibilities for self-expression. Luckily, I did not see first-hand the violence or bullying, but I always understood perfectly well that life will be much harder for me, because I am a girl.

In my graduation year, I launched a project aimed at helping single mothers and women who survived different types of violence, including sexual violence. I also participated in student social theatre to highlight the issues of domestic violence and gender inequality. With other volunteers, we visited women in small communities in Kyiv Oblast to deliver clothes, toys and sweets for their kids and to support them emotionally. At the same time, we launched lectures and short training sessions on sex education and the prevention of sexual violence. Inspiration and support of women was the main goal of this work.

Inequality has various forms. Economic, gender, racial, social inequality, all lead to discrimination. Sexual violence and the unequal distribution of unpaid housework, including childcare, discrimination at work, remain major obstacles for women. In my opinion, ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls is not only a realization of basic human rights, it is also crucial for the sustainable development of all societies.

I am proud that students and professors at my University can discuss any tough topics and spread the idea of gender equality as one of the Sustainable Development Goals. There is also the GENIUS (Gender Initiative for University and Society) project team who work at the University. GENIUS implements European practices of gender policy and works for deep structural change in the Kyiv National University of Economics. They disseminate information about gender equality among students and professors.”