Due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, nearly a million men are either at the frontline or engaged in war-related activities. Some have also left the country. This has led to a severe labor shortage in many sectors, particularly in construction, which has been left almost entirely without workers.
This shortage compels women to take on jobs previously seen as "not for them", such as truck driving or operating heavy machinery. The reasons women are entering these professions are largely economic, as salaries in these fields are significantly higher than in traditional roles, but also include a strong desire to contribute to the country's recovery.
"We will rebuild Ukraine after the war," say women participating in a specialized training program for heavy construction equipment operators.
"At first, some men laughed at the idea, but after seeing how well the women perform alongside them, they stopped," says Yulia Skichko, owner of a construction equipment rental company and the program's initiator. She explains that the program was created to address growing market demands.
"After the Russian invasion began, we realized there would be fewer and fewer men available. But construction equipment doesn’t operate itself—it’s the backbone of any building project. So, while our men train to fight, we train to hold the rear," Skichko explains.
The program lasts nine weeks, six of which involve practical training on construction sites. The courses take place at the Nemishaeve Technological College, located near the war-torn town of Bucha.
Some graduates have already found jobs with construction companies. Initially, they were met with skepticism, but now, due to the acute need for workers, gender is no longer a significant issue. Organizers note that women are often more diligent and cautious when working with machinery, though they need time to overcome their fear of operating equipment weighing up to 10 tons.
"The labor shortage in construction exceeds 50%," emphasizes Skichko. "We are now seeing women working as plasterers, tilers, and welders."
During our visit to the training center in Nemishaeve, Tetiana Sybil was learning to operate a grader. She dug trenches and filled them back up. She performed her tasks with great attention and dedication, and it appeared she was doing well, despite having only a few days of practical training. She has a 16-year-old son and says her main reason for joining the program is to provide financial support for her family.
"Although my most recent job was in a school, I have generally worked in male-dominated roles, so this doesn’t feel unusual to me. I found out about this training program through an ad and immediately called my husband to hear his opinion. He said, 'If you like it, go for it,'" recounts the 45-year-old Sybil, who is now training for a construction career.
Anastasiia Bilenko has worked various jobs, with her most recent position before the full-scale war being at an oil-processing plant. She initially left Ukraine during the invasion but returned because "I wanted to be home." She has two young daughters.
"One day, my seven-year-old daughter came to me and said, 'Mom, I don’t know what I want to be in life,' and I replied that at 28 years old, I don’t know either," Bilenko says, laughing.
She hails from Zaporizhzhia Oblast, where her village has been almost completely destroyed by Russian shelling.
"It’s painful to see; there’s almost nothing left of my hometown. I saw an advertisement for this training program and felt inspired. I told myself I would return and, after the war ends, rebuild my homeland with my own hands. That’s the most important reason I started this training," the 28-year-old tells *TA NEA*.
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