In the shadow of the ongoing war in Ukraine, millions of people have been uprooted, with women disproportionately bearing the brunt of displacement and economic hardship. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), as of February 20, 2024, more than 8 million Ukrainian refugees, mostly women and children, are currently living in refuge across Europe.
Studies also show that 50% of internally displaced women have lost their jobs compared to 28% of men.
Faced with this enormous challenge, the IT industry is lighting the way with a ray of hope and opportunity.
Transition to IT
The dynamic global ICT sector offers unique opportunities for Ukrainian women seeking stability and long-term career growth. Unlike many war-affected industries, the tech sector thrives on remote work opportunities and global connections, providing flexibility and the appearance of security even in the face of logistical disruptions.
Roles ranging from software developer to data analyst offer well-paying jobs with the potential for remote opportunities. This not only means immediate financial stability, but also opens the door to long-term career development, which is crucial for post-war reconstruction.
Opening up new horizons
The global nature of the tech industry transcends geographic and political barriers. IT offers Ukrainian women access to international markets and networks, which is a lifeline in times of economic hardship at the local level.
With a variety of roles and specializations, this sector gives women the opportunity to rebuild their professional lives according to their individual skills and experience, from coding to IT project management. This path fosters personal growth, self-confidence, and an awareness of their own abilities and contribution to the greater good.
An opportunity for Europe and CEE
It is important to recognize that there is a talent shortage in both the European and Central and Eastern European (CEE) ICT sectors.
According to the European Commission, in 2020, 8% of EU businesses reported difficulties in recruiting ICT specialists.
Eurostat reports that as of October 2023, there were more than 520,000 vacancies for ICT professionals in the EU, and a 2022 Randstad report estimates that Europe will need more than 800,000 new ICT professionals by 2024, and this need will not be met.
All of this means that there are plenty of opportunities for those who are ready to learn.
Online training and mentoring
Online learning communities, free resources, and mentoring programs are driving the shift to technology. These platforms offer more than just skill development; they provide a much-needed sense of community in times of isolation and uncertainty.
Online courses democratize learning, and personalized mentoring helps women navigate the complexities of the industry and develop resilience.
The power of community
For women making these changes, it is important to create an IT community that supports them. Initiatives that create a safe space to share experiences, get advice, and learn from each other are crucial. Such communities remove barriers, create networks of support and encouragement, and empower women to overcome challenges and thrive in their new careers.
The impact of these programs goes far beyond individual success stories. By equipping women with in-demand tech skills and connecting them to global markets, organizations like Women Go Tech, a Lithuanian-based NGO with operations across the CEE region, are contributing to the economic resilience of communities.
Women with technical skills can support their families, contribute to the local economy, and become more active in their communities.
Changes that expand opportunities
Organizations like Women Go Tech provide crucial support to Ukrainian women. In 2023, 1268 women completed the Discovery introductory course, and 61 completed the 6-month Acceleration mentoring program.
18% of the mentoring program’s graduates got jobs, internships, or launched their own tech startups. These achievements reflect not just a career change, but the beginning of a new stage in life.
Both programs are free for Ukrainian women.
Natalia and her journey
Natalia Danchenko was one of the women who completed the Women Go Tech mentoring program.
A musicologist by training, she was looking for a remote job with a steady income when the war broke out. Recognizing the need for practical experience in a new field, Natalia started taking courses that laid the foundation for her IT business.
However, the lack of practical experience became an obstacle to employment.
“I needed practical experience. I couldn’t get a job without it. My mentor taught me how to organize ideas and work step by step. We did some projects together from start to finish. It was a much-needed experience,” Natalia says.
Navigating the complexities of IT was not easy, especially during the war, when she had to balance work, family responsibilities, and studies. However, it was during this difficult time that she discovered the joy and satisfaction of her new career.
As she continues to hone her IT skills under the guidance of her mentor, Natalia is ready to step into the professional world and is looking for her first job in the field.
