The Ukrainian Ambassador to Singapore shares insights on championing gender equality in international relations.
SINGAPORE, 13 March 2025 – In an exclusive interview with IN Diplomacy for the Women in Diplomacy series, Ukrainian Ambassador Kateryna Zelenko discusses the evolution of women’s participation in diplomacy, the challenges she has faced, and the initiatives driving gender equality in Ukraine and beyond.
Q: As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, what challenges did you face in your early career, and how did you overcome them?
Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed with fascinating colleagues and supervisors, most of whom were male. At the same time, like most women, I know how it feels to be overlooked or sometimes underestimated. I have seen how these issues play out not just on a personal level but also in policies. I still remember how women were reluctant to make fundamental decisions about their lives, knowing it might harm their careers. Luckily, many working women have, over the years, become more vocal about these challenges. Ultimately, these rights, as well as equal opportunities, were secured through long, hard battles waged by women and men who made their voices heard.
Q: Can you share a moment when you felt like you were breaking new ground for women in diplomacy?
It happened when I began to see more and more women in Ukrainian diplomacy who were allowed to pursue their work abroad despite family circumstances, including pregnancy, or giving birth to their children without a need to end their posting abroad. It took time and a lot of efforts to make sure that juggling between being a wife, a mother, and a successful diplomat abroad became a routine.
Q: How do you think women’s participation in diplomacy has evolved over the years, and what more needs to be done?
Ukrainian society has traditionally been tolerant of gender and respectful towards women. However, in the 1990s and early 2000s, diplomacy was male-dominated, reflecting Soviet-era beliefs about balancing career and household duties. Over the past 10-15 years, this has changed significantly. By 2019, women made up over a third of MFA employees, with more in decision-making roles. In 2021, they comprised 45.3% of MFA headquarters staff and 34.3% of those posted abroad. By March 2025, as the war entered its fourth year, women made up 49% of MFA HQ, with near-equal numbers of men and women. While embassy representation remains steady, leadership is committed to further progress. Ensuring equal opportunities strengthens Ukraine’s diplomacy and global presence.
Q: How did your education prepare you for a career in diplomacy, and what role do you think education plays in empowering women?
Professional higher education is mandatory for Ukraine’s diplomatic service, with no differences between men and women. The Diplomatic Academy at the MFA also offers a specialised course in women’s leadership. As a career diplomat, I studied foreign policy at the National Taras Shevchenko University in Kyiv, which became my profession. I had the privilege of working alongside many determined young women whose achievements prove that education is key to empowering female leaders. The ability to analyse, the confidence to stand up, and the connections to secure a seat at the table—all begin with education.
Q: What advice would you give to young girls and women who are interested in pursuing careers in diplomacy or international relations?
If you feel it is yours, don’t doubt—just do it. There are countless examples of female success in diplomacy, in Ukraine, Singapore, and beyond. Whether international relations awaits you depends on your decisions and efforts. Be prepared for hard work, stay proactive, and surround yourself with like-minded people. Build connections, support global communities who believe in their mission, and most importantly—even if you’re afraid, do it anyway.
Q: As a woman in a high-pressure role, how do you balance your personal and professional life?
It is all about a good mix of proper time management, discipline, and responsibility. These skills can be improved over time. Timely switching from job to family and vice versa is always a good opportunity to recharge.
Q: What support systems do you have in place to help you manage the demands of your job?
In addition to the women’s empowerment training at the Diplomatic Academy of the MFA of Ukraine, we offer mentorship, support, and experience-sharing initiatives, including publishing stories of successful female diplomats. The most significant markers of progress in gender equality are not just the rise in female diplomats and women in leadership but also the growing acceptance of young mothers balancing family and career. Having a baby or caring for a toddler during an overseas posting is now normal. Before the full-scale war, the MFA, in cooperation with UNICEF, opened a children’s room for employees, which became vital after February 2022, when schools closed and prolonged power outages disrupted daily life.
Q: What initiatives has Ukraine taken to promote women’s rights and empowerment, both domestically and internationally?
Gender equality and women’s empowerment are global priorities for sustainable development, and Ukraine has acceded to all major international treaties on the issue. In 2020-2021, Ukraine joined key initiatives such as the Biarritz Partnership, the Generation Equality Forum Action Coalitions, EPIC, and the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security. Since joining HeForShe in 2018, the MFA of Ukraine became the first state authority to conduct a gender audit, leading to a clear Action Plan and Strategy, the creation of the Women Leadership Club, and a mentorship programme for young female diplomats. The MFA also supports NGO initiatives, such as the STEM is FEM essay contest, where young participants were invited to a day at the Ministry. Despite the ongoing invasion, Ukraine continues striving for equal opportunities in education, healthcare, social support, entrepreneurship, and politics, recognising women’s leadership as vital to the nation’s recovery.
Q: How do you think the international community can work together to address issues like gender-based violence, equal pay, and women’s representation in leadership?
Internationally, gender equality is addressed by the UN Commission on the Status of Women (UN Women) and its various fora, including its 69th Session in New York (10-21 March 2025), where Ukraine is represented by the Governmental Commissioner for Gender Equality Policy, Ms Kateryna Levchenko. In 2023, she visited Singapore for discussions with women leaders across government, business, civil society, and diplomacy. Soft power also plays a key role in advancing gender equality and other social issues. In 2021, Ukraine’s First Lady, Mrs Olena Zelenska, launched the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen (SFLG) to foster dialogue and coordinated responses to global humanitarian challenges. Now a permanent Global Platform with nearly 30 participating states, the SFLG leverages soft power to address shared concerns such as mental health, child safety, nutrition, and healthcare support in times of crisis.
Q: What do you hope your legacy will be, both as a diplomat and as a woman leader?
I am a team player and believe in the joined legacy of nations, communities, and active groups of people who stand up for our common humanity. On the global level, it is fight for peaceful co-existence of nations and rules-based order. On a personal level, it is success of every person whom I could at some point be helpful with a piece of advice, could support their ideas or make them stronger and happier. We all need happiness as a motivation and strength to continue doing good for others.
Q: What advice would you give to women who are just starting in their careers and are looking for inspiration and guidance?
There are plenty of role models, but be yourself; don’t compare yourself to others because it’s not a competition. Set your goals and leverage your balances between your career and family. Happy women-diplomats are the best at being resilient to challenges and making the world a better place for everyone. It might not be easy. And it will not be quick. But make no mistake about it: you can do this. Succes is about 5% talent, 5% luck, and 90% never giving up.
