By Yana Spotar and Manon Klein, Impact Hub Amsterdam
Together with a consortium of respected partner institutions, we are excited to share early insights from our NatAlli project. Our goal is to empower highly educated Ukrainian women to step up as dynamic entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs, fostering the regeneration of their economies and societies through and beyond crises.
Our journey began with an extensive research phase, during which we aimed to set the groundwork for a mentoring programme tailored to the needs of Ukrainian women entrepreneurs. To identify those, in our first efforts, led by FH Münster, we conducted a series of interviews and consultations with mentors, highly educated Ukrainian women, and external and internal stakeholders to identify challenges, opportunities, and strategic recommendations. The insights we’ve gathered will serve as a foundation for developing a mentorship programme to train mentors who will support our target group effectively.
Understanding the Needs of Ukrainian Women Entrepreneurs and Intrapreneurs
Our research revealed several critical needs and challenges faced by highly educated Ukrainian women, particularly in the context of economic crises and forced migration. Women-dominated industries, such as healthcare, education, and the services sector, are often hit hardest during economic downturns. These disruptions exacerbate job insecurity and slow career progression, highlighting the urgent need for flexible working conditions and robust childcare support.
Increased domestic responsibilities, compounded by professional duties, significantly strain women during crises. The mental health implications of managing this dual burden are profound. Comprehensive mental health support, including counseling and stress management programs, are crucial for maintaining their well-being.
Our interviews uncovered diverse scenarios of how Ukrainian women entrepreneurs have adapted to these challenges. Some women paused or shifted their business operations to support the war effort, like establishing NGOs and fundraising initiatives to support the war in Ukraine from abroad. Others, adapted their core business activities to produce supplies for the army. Maria transformed her fashion footwear brand, Marsala, to produce military boots, which has showcased remarkable adaptability despite the circumstances.
However, the loss of tightly-knit networks upon migration presents a significant hurdle. Rebuilding these networks in a new country is daunting, as one entrepreneur described: “The hardest thing of moving abroad was that in Ukraine I had my network, I knew everything and everyone. Here, establishing such a network and finding the right people with similar values and gaining access to the required resources to be productive is one of the biggest challenges.”
Despite these obstacles, the women we interviewed displayed immense mental strength and determination, continuing to operate their businesses while integrating into new systems and workforces in their host countries.
Expert Perspectives and Key Lessons
We also consulted experts in female entrepreneurship and experienced mentors to deepen our understanding. One expert on the topic, emphasized the importance of mentors learning how to build local networks and navigate cultural differences in new countries. Mentors should play an active role in opening doors for their mentees through personal introductions and sponsorship, not just financial support.
Effective mentoring also requires understanding the communication styles and values that resonate with women, such as personal stories and connections rather than the typical “hero-journey” narratives. It’s vital to acknowledge the importance of work-life balance and managing parenthood alongside professional careers.
Moreover, mentors should be well-versed in feminine markets and products, recognising the potential biases and challenges in attracting investors. Understanding these nuances will help mentors guide their mentees in establishing solid business cases and effective communication strategies.
Based on our research, we’ve identified three overarching themes for the mentoring programme: international mentoring (soft skills), communication and cultural diversity, and entrepreneurial and leadership skills for mentees.
Looking Ahead: Developing the Mentorship Programme
In the next phase of NatAlli, that will be led by Impact Hub Amsterdam, we’ll focus on equipping mentors with the skills and tools needed to support Ukrainian women entrepreneurs effectively. Our plan includes:
- Design and Development of the Toolkit: Creating 20 tools to teach mentors the specific skills and capacities required for effective mentoring.
- Design of Course Modules: Developing online course units with teaching methods and materials, such as case studies, discussion topics, individual exercises, and collaborative activities.
- Evaluation and Feedback: Collecting feedback from at least 12 mentors using a web-based self-evaluation tool to refine and improve the programme.
We’re excited about the potential impact of this project and look forward to sharing more updates as we continue to develop and implement the mentorship programme. Stay tuned for more insights and progress from NatAlli as we work together to empower Ukrainian female entrepreneurs and drive positive change in their communities and beyond.
