About the Project

Over the last two decades, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have increasingly focused on addressing issues related to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). These efforts aim to tackle systemic imbalances, especially in STEM fields, where male staff dominate, leaving female staff underrepresented in leadership and career progression opportunities. This imbalance is particularly significant among Early Career Researchers (ECRs) in engineering, a challenge this project seeks to address in both Ukrainian and UK contexts. By bridging the gap between existing policies and practical tools for mentorship, the project aims to create a sustainable solution that empowers women in academia.

The project stems from a shared vision to dismantle the invisible barriers hindering women’s academic careers, particularly in regions affected by conflict or rebuilding efforts. While institutions like the University of Leicester and Kremenchuk National University have implemented policies to promote equality, challenges persist in ensuring effective mentorship and leadership pathways for female researchers. The need for a tailored, technology-driven solution became evident through consultations with stakeholders in both countries. This initiative responds to that need by leveraging the expertise of international partners and building upon best practices already established within HEIs.

At the core of this project is the development of FEMPLOYEE, a progressive web application designed to connect Early Career Researchers with experienced mentors. The platform offers a seamless and user-friendly experience, allowing mentees to find mentors based on shared interests, expertise, and career goals. Through features like automated data integration from profiles such as ORCID or LinkedIn, personalized mentorship recommendations, and direct communication tools, FEMPLOYEE ensures an impactful mentorship experience. The app not only facilitates mentorship but also collects valuable insights into the challenges faced by women in academia, informing future policies and programs. Initial milestones include launching a pre-alpha version for selected stakeholders in the UK and Ukraine, followed by an alpha release that integrates user feedback. Beyond connecting mentors and mentees, FEMPLOYEE is designed to empower women in STEM fields, enhance leadership skills, and establish long-term partnerships between academic institutions. By creating an inclusive and supportive environment, the project envisions a future where gender equality is not just a goal but a standard in higher education.

Supported by funding from the British Council’s Going Global Partnerships programme. Going Global Partnerships supports universities, colleges and wider education stakeholders around the world to work together towards stronger, equitable, inclusive, more internationally connected higher education, science and TVET. Grant GEP2023-020 – FEMPLOYEE, awarded to Dr Harold Ruiz from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom and, Dr Viktoriia Kulynych from Kremenchuk Mykhailo Ostrohradskiy National University in Ukraine (2023-2024).