On April 29th, 2026, the final Youth Think Tank discussion within the project “SUCCESS | Socially innovative Ukrainian Centres in Central Europe: Empowerment and Social Support” took place at the VMU Ukrainian Center in Vilnius. Titled “Women in Leadership: Breaking Stereotypes Across Borders”, the event brought together 107 young Ukrainians from Vilnius, Kaunas, Panevėžys, Marijampolė, and Visaginas, creating a shared space for reflection, dialogue, and meaningful conversations about leadership, equality, representation, and personal experience. The participants represented more than 15 different educational establishments, with the biggest numbers of students being from the International Ukrainian School, School „Herojus“, and Kharkiv School „Gravity“.
They had the opportunity to engage with two distinguished speakers:
✔️ H.E. Olha Nikitchenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Lithuania
✔️ H.E. Séadhna MacHugh, Ambassador of Ireland to the Republic of Lithuania
The speakers shared insights from their own diplomatic experience and professional journey in diplomacy, spoke about equality, empowerment, and breaking stereotypes across cultures and societies. They reflected on the challenges women often face in leadership positions, the importance of representation, resilience, and remaining true to one’s values while navigating international and political environments. The Ambassadors also introduced participants to the meaning and history behind “Denim Day” as a symbol of solidarity and awareness.
The discussion was not only educational, but also emotional and deeply inspiring. Participants actively engaged in the conversation, asking open, sincere, and thoughtful questions — many of them touching on personal experiences, self-confidence, gender expectations, career paths, and the realities of leadership for women today. The atmosphere encouraged honesty, reflection, and genuine dialogue.
We sincerely thank H.E. Olha Nikitchenko and the Embassy of Ukraine in Lithuania, H.E. Séadhna MacHugh and the Embassy of Ireland to the Republic of Lithuania, as well as all participants, schools, teachers, and partners who contributed to the Youth Think Tank initiative throughout the project.
*Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Social Fund Agency. Neither the European Union nor the Granting Authority can be held responsible for them.
#ESFplus #SocialInnovationPlus #UAprojects #EUfunds #SuccessUkrainosCentras #YouthThinkTankUkrainosCentras
