The communications agency for territories and communities Power of Place in partnership with the international community Women Leaders for Ukraine is launching a dedicated track for territorial communities within the framework of the National Award “Equal Opportunities Leadership 2026”.
This initiative is intended to recognize communities that create conditions for the development of women’s leadership and implement the principles of equal opportunities in local governance.
Today, the resilience of Ukraine is ensured to a large extent by territorial communities. It is at the local level that critical issues of security, support for internally displaced persons, energy independence, and reconstruction are addressed every day.
Women play a major role in these processes—as heads of communities, managers of municipal institutions, crisis process managers, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders. At the same time, this contribution often remains insufficiently visible and systematically recognized at the national level.
That is why in 2026 the National Award “Equal Opportunities Leadership” is being expanded to the local self-government sector for the first time.
The mission of Power of Place is to support the development of territorial communities and help them strengthen their capacity, communication, and strategic development.
That is why the agency’s team joined this initiative as a partner, so that together with the organizers they could adapt the award format to the realities of local self-government and engage communities from across Ukraine.
A separate approach is used to evaluate communities, taking into account the specifics of municipal governance, the scale of responsibility of local teams, and the real impact of their decisions on residents’ lives.
About the National Award
The National Award “Equal Opportunities Leadership” has been recognizing organizations for the second year in a row that integrate the principles of equality into management practices, corporate culture, and decision-making processes.
Last year, more than 150 applications were received, and 18 organizations became laureates, including:
Starlight Media
Oschadbank
SoftServe
Carlsberg Ukraine
Dobrobut
In 2026, territorial communities of Ukraine are joining the award for the first time.
What communities receive
Participation in the award gives communities:
Reputational capital for reconstruction
Winner status is an important signal for international partners, donors, and investors, as transparency and inclusiveness are now key criteria for attracting resources.
The opportunity to assess their own governance practices
The award questionnaire serves as a practical self-assessment tool—from gender-responsive budgeting to supporting women in professions where staff shortages have emerged due to mobilization.
National recognition
The award ceremony will be held together with leaders of Ukrainian business, underscoring the unity of the state, communities, and business in building a strong and resilient Ukraine.
Who can participate
The following are invited to participate:
territorial communities
executive committees
municipal enterprises and institutions
The key criterion is the presence of real practices in which women’s leadership and equal opportunities contribute to community development.
