She Drives launches a new call for women to access free training and employment opportunities in the transport sector

She Drives supports women in acquiring in-demand professions in the transport sector and embarking on new career paths. The project is implemented in partnership with transport and logistics companies that are committed to employing graduates after they complete the training.

Since its launch, more than 100 women have successfully completed the programme, and over 40 graduates have secured jobs as bus or truck drivers. These results demonstrate that the transport sector is becoming increasingly open to women and that driving is emerging as a viable and rewarding career choice for those seeking professional growth, stable employment, and decent pay.

"Today, Ukraine's transport sector needs thousands of new skilled professionals. We cannot afford to lose people's potential because of outdated stereotypes. That is why the Ministry for Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport supports the She Drives initiative, which creates real opportunities for women to gain a new profession and secure decent employment. What makes this initiative particularly important is its comprehensive approach — from acquiring the necessary skills to guaranteed employment. It helps strengthen Ukraine's transport system, supports the development of local communities, and contributes to building a modern, inclusive labour market where professionalism, responsibility, and motivation are the key criteria," said Mykola Kalashnyk, Minister for Reconstruction, Infrastructure and Transport of Ukraine.

Today, Ukraine’s transport sector is facing an urgent need for new skilled professionals. At the same time, She Drives demonstrates that expanding opportunities for women is not only a response to labour shortages, but also an important step towards building a modern, inclusive labour market where professional choices are shaped by knowledge, skills, and motivation. 

"Every woman deserves the opportunity to choose her own professional path, free from stereotypes and barriers. She Drives proves that when women have access to training and support, they thrive in the transport sector and contribute to stronger communities and a more resilient economy. We look forward to welcoming a new cohort of participants who will help shape Ukraine's recovery," highlighted Sabine Freizer Gunes, UN Women Representative in Ukraine.

Participants can choose one of four vocational training tracks:

1. Bus driver (category “D”) – professional training to operate passenger transport.
Locations: Dnipro, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Kryvyi Rih, Kyiv, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Vinnytsia,  Zaporizhzhia

2. Truck driver (category “C”) – professional training to operate heavy-duty vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes.
Locations: Khmelnytskyi, Kryvyi Rih, Odesa, Vinnytsia

3. Truck driver (category “CE”) – professional training to operate heavy-duty vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes combined with a trailer weighing more than 750 kg.
Locations: Bila Tserkva, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia

4. Trolleybus driver (category “T”) – professional training to operate passenger transport.
Location: Cherkasy

To apply, candidates must complete an online application form on the She Drives website. After the application period closes, the project team will review the submissions, conduct the selection process, and invite shortlisted participants to proceed to the next stages.

Priority will be given to women who:

🔹 live in the project’s target regions;

🔹 are motivated to complete the training and secure employment after graduation;

🔹 have driving experience;

🔹 have completed full secondary education;

🔹 meet the requirements for the selected training category.

“We aim to ensure that women do not simply obtain a driving licence, but build successful careers in the transport sector. To achieve this, it is not enough to provide training alone. It is essential to support participants throughout their journey, build a community, assist them with employment opportunities, and work with employers to create a modern, inclusive, and supportive workplace environment. This is the approach at the core of the new phase of She Drives,” said Kateryna Datsko, Executive Director of the NGO Foundation for Institutional Development.

Participants will study at partner driving schools, complete theoretical and practical training, take exams in accordance with legislative requirements, and receive support from the project team throughout the entire learning process. In addition to professional training, they will have access to psychological support, lectures on developing professional and personal skills, as well as assistance with preparing CVs and attending job interviews with employers.

Upon successful completion of the training, participants will be employed in the transport sector at the project’s partner companies or other employers that align with their professional goals.

Applications and more information about participation requirements are available at: https://www.she-drives.com.ua/.

The “She Drives” initiative, which aims to expand the professional potential of women in the transportation sector, is implemented within the framework of UN Women Ukraine’s Strategic Note (2025–2029), with financial support from the Governments of Austria, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Finland, France, and Sweden. The project is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Recovery, Infrastructure, and Transport of Ukraine and the NGO “Foundation for Institutional Development”.