With the support of the International Cooperation Department, a KhNUIA team of 20 academic, teaching, and administrative staff members and students joined a one-day offline event in the series of regional meetings "YurFem Open Space" in Vinnytsia. The event brought together about 50 women and girls working in the legal field in Vinnytsia Oblast.

The meeting was moderated by Nataliia Hrom, YurFem Regional Coordinator for Vinnytsia Region, Senior Lecturer at KhNUIA, and a veteran of the National Police of Ukraine.

During an expert panel discussion, participants learned about the history and activities of the organisation, which aims to unite women lawyers and promote gender equality in the legal profession. They also took part in pre-testing, viewed a presentation, and discussed the findings of the study "The Status of Women in the Legal Profession."

The discussion addressed manifestations of discrimination and sexism, including covert forms; the issue of secondary traumatisation; and the impact of war on the risks of professional violence, taking geographical factors into account, namely proximity to the combat zone, the experience of occupation, and the relocation of servicemen and internally displaced persons. The participants also discussed the results of academic and sociological research and the mechanisms for responding to discriminatory practices in the legal community.

A separate segment of the event was devoted to the psychological health and well-being of women in the legal profession. Participants were introduced to the concept of well-being and to tools for post-traumatic growth, self-recovery, and self-help. During a psychological workshop, they explored ways of maintaining psychological and professional boundaries, preventing professional burnout, and coping with the effects of emotional exhaustion and secondary traumatisation.

The practical part included self-assessment exercises and work with psychological stabilisation techniques. Participants also developed a personal "dopamine menu" and individual long-term self-care plans.

KhNUIA representatives will be able to apply the knowledge and practical skills gained in their professional, educational, and research activities, in particular to foster a safe and non-discriminatory professional environment.

KhNUIA Press Office