Despite the ongoing war and its devastating impact, Women in Nuclear Ukraine (WiN Ukraine) has been making remarkable strides since its establishment three years ago. Operating from its office in Kyiv, the organization remains resolute in its commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women professionals in the nuclear field. At the helm of this transformative movement is Margaryta Rayets, a trailblazing leader and nuclear professional with a passion for both the industry and advocating for women’s rights.
WiN Ukraine operates in alignment with the goals and principles set forth by its parent organization, Women in Nuclear (WiN) Global. Founded in 1992 as a global non-profit organization, WiN Global unites, supports, and encourages women professionals in the nuclear sector, with membership open to men as well.
The official representative office of WiN Ukraine, accredited by WiN Global, was inaugurated on June 19, 2020, with Margaryta Rayets as its first President and co-founder. Prior to assuming this role, Margaryta served as the Head of The International Cooperation Department of the Central Enterprise for Radioactive Waste Management of the State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management.
WiN Ukraine’s primary objectives encompass a wide range of areas within the nuclear field. These include providing analytical and advisory assistance to state and international institutions on environmental, cultural, educational, and social aspects of nuclear energy, radiation safety, and technology. The organization also focuses on promoting gender equality, supporting the scientific potential of women specialists in nuclear energy, and fostering youth professional mentoring programs. Furthermore, WiN Ukraine aims to educate the public on nuclear energy usage and safety, popularize its benefits, and engage in dialogue with the public to highlight the contributions of women to nuclear energy development.
In addition to its regular activities, WiN Ukraine has also stepped up as a voluntary organization during times of conflict. Notably, they played a vital role in assisting the Exclusion Zone by procuring kitchen equipment after the Russians left the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, having looted and vandalized the facilities.
One of the notable contributions by WiN Ukraine and its President, Margaryta Rayets, was their participation in the book project titled “Voices of Ukraine.” As a co-author, Margaryta and her colleagues presented direct testimonies from nuclear workers in Ukraine, shedding light on the personal and global impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine, specifically on nuclear security. By capturing these stories, WiN Ukraine aims to raise awareness about the Ukrainian nuclear sphere’s resilience, development, and its significance in combating nuclear terrorism.
WiN Ukraine maintains a close partnership with Ukrainian authorities responsible for nuclear safety and radiation protection. The organization actively supports these authorities in enhancing the professional development of their personnel.
Margaryta Rayets herself brings ten years of solid experience in the nuclear sector, specializing in international cooperation projects related to non-proliferation, nuclear and radiation safety and security, as well as gender equality. With four master’s degrees in International Relations, Ecology, Atomic Energy, and ongoing pursuit of a Ph.D. in Management, Margaryta embodies a remarkable blend of academic knowledge and practical expertise.
Margaryta has ambitious goals for WiN Ukraine, seeing it as a relevant Civil Society Organization (CSO) that can aid the Ukrainian government in terms of public diplomacy.
WiN Ukraine continues to make significant contributions, defying the challenges of conflict and promoting gender equality in the nuclear industry. Through the leadership of President Margaryta Rayets and the dedication of its members, WiN Ukraine is poised to shape a more inclusive and empowered future for women in nuclear.
https://win-ukraine.org.ua/home/
Published by: Martin De Juan
