Spotlighting The Kharkiv Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) in the ACM-W Professional Chapter’s Corner
Written by Asegul Hulus
Welcome back, travel enthusiasts! Today, we’re visiting the Kharkiv Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) ACM-W Chapter in Ukraine to showcase its extraordinary resilience and commitment to women in computing. This dedicated team continues to innovate amidst unprecedented challenges.
I was fortunate to speak with two committed chapter leaders, Dr. Oleksandra Yeremenko (Chair) and Karyna Horiainova (Past Web Master). Their stories and those of their colleagues show equally their technical expertise and fortitude in the face of hardship.
Committed Leadership Through Unprecedented Times
The Kharkiv ICT ACM-W Chapter embodies resilience. Launched in 2020 and chaired by founder Dr. Oleksandra Yeremenko, her leadership transformed the chapter into a thriving centre for women in computing, fostering digital literacy and international partnerships. The chapter is active in ACM-W Europe through womENcourage, COST Actions, and Erasmus+ programmes.
“Let’s build a secure, resilient, and responsible digital future where women in tech lead with confidence, and connection drives progress” (Oleksandra’s guiding philosophy).
Vice Chair Dr. Oleksandr Lemeshko shapes the chapter’s strategic direction, promoting inclusive education and guiding students toward international opportunities. He champions ICT security initiatives, empowering female students through projects and mobility programs. His contributions to computer network traffic management and security were featured in February 2025’s “People of ACM European Chapters.” He believes “a stronger, smarter, and more secure future depends on women in STEM”.
Membership Chair Dr. Liudmyla Titova leads engagement and growth initiatives. She advocates for student mobility and academic exchange, highlighting international opportunities in AI and digital education. Her project management drives the chapter’s involvement in European initiatives, including Erasmus+ projects combating hybrid threats and developing AI micro-credential programs. She says, “Our collaboration aims to close skills gaps and prepare professionals for tomorrow’s challenges.”
Former Web Master Karyna Horiainova participated in ACM womENcourage Trondheim (2023) and Madrid (2024), as well as other international events. She joined as a student seeking opportunities and now mentors newer members.
“Don’t let others define the limits of your potential based on your gender. Be inspired, try your best, and never let anyone box you in. The only limits are those you set for yourself.” – Karyna Horiainova
The leadership team overcame obstacles to establish a foundation. Their resilience is tested daily as they navigate Ukraine’s most difficult period.
The Chapter’s Journey: Perseverance Through Crisis
The Kharkiv ICT ACM-W Chapter demonstrates adaptability. Starting in 2020 during COVID-19’s early days, their planned shift to in-person activities was disrupted by Ukraine’s conflict, forcing them to remain online.
“We started during the pandemic while we were all teaching online; restrictions lasted approximately two years. Just as we were beginning face-to-face operations, the conflict in Ukraine broke out,” explains Oleksandra. “For five years, we’ve operated online.”
The conflict has defined their operations and commitment to maintaining relationships despite physical separation. Ukraine’s conflict poses challenges to academic continuity. “Our PhD programs used to have many more women before the conflict. Although our department has female professors, it’s a stark contrast to earlier times, when many women were pursuing doctoral degrees. Mass migration is a significant issue. The loss of women in academia is truly awful,” Oleksandra shares.
“The conflict significantly affects our daily operations.” Vice Chair Oleksandr Lemeshko was recently unable to attend an interview as he was addressing the consequences of a nighttime attack in his area. Despite such circumstances, the chapter continues its mission, with resilience as a cornerstone of its identity. Rather than being deterred, the chapter has channelled these experiences into technical work addressing critical issues in today’s digital landscape.
Cybersecurity Through a Gender Lens: Kharkiv ICT ACM-W’s Forward-Thinking Agenda
The Kharkiv ICT ACM-W Chapter’s technical focus centers on cybersecurity, particularly how gender intersects with digital vulnerabilities.
“This year, our focus is on countering deepfakes and improving online safety for women. Specifically, how new technologies and social engineering contribute to content that harms women,” explains Oleksandra. “We focus on human-centred issues. Understanding the information society’s impact on all of us, especially our vulnerabilities, and developing protective measures, particularly for women, is crucial.”
Their work encompasses both technical solutions and the human element of computing problems. In 2025, they are:
- Designing a prototype of software solution, focusing on gendered deepfake abuse and online safety for women.
- Planning Girls in ICT Day 2025 to inspire young women in technology
- Recruiting new student volunteers to maintain community momentum
The chapter participates in research projects and computing events, including cybersecurity penetration testing competitions and programming challenges. Their technical initiatives extend beyond Ukraine’s borders, forming the foundation for international collaborations.
Research areas include:
- Gender dimensions of cybersecurity vulnerabilities: Exploring gender’s impact on vulnerability to social engineering attacks
- Combating gender disinformation: Investigating disinformation campaigns targeting women
- Ethical AI and gender bias: Examining how AI systems perpetuate or mitigate bias
- Erasmus+ projects: the AI Skills project develops 15 micro-credential programs to reskill AI professionals and managers; the project SECURE: Security Education Center for Unified Resilience and Effective Communications features Research & Educational Hubs on AI/ML, 5G/6G, and Quantum Security labs. The WARN project addresses hybrid threats through academic strategies and AI-driven tools for identification, attribution, classification, and mitigation, especially relevant given Ukraine’s frontline position. The Erasmus + project Jean Monnet modules “The European experience for enhancement the resilience of critical entities in Ukraine” and “Integrating the future-proof EU cybersecurity ecosystem in Ukraine” are especially important for Ukraine at this time, as they contribute to aligning national cybersecurity and resilience efforts with European standards amidst ongoing security challenges.
Furthermore, in June 2022, Oleksandra participated in an International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES) webinar panel on “Gender Equality and Inclusion in STEM, Research, and Innovation in Europe,” with a spotlight on Ukraine. In March 2023, the chapter co-hosted “Women in Cybersecurity: Building Professional Associations Based on Successful Practices.”
Since 2019, they’ve attended womENcourage conferences annually, fostering relationships within the European computing community. In 2023, they presented research on phishing attacks against enterprise employees and gender issues within ChatGPT at Trondheim.
From Research to Impact: Kharkiv’s Commitment to Gender Equity in Computing
The chapter participates in research on gender balance in computing through the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action CA19122, European Network for Gender Balance in Informatics (EUGAIN), which supports women in informatics.
Their research, based on a global survey of 800+ participants, explores factors motivating women to pursue PhDs in computer science and examines why women disproportionately leave academia after bachelor’s or master’s degrees, the “leaky pipeline” phenomenon.
The chapter contributed to developing multilingual resources for career events helping women pursue computing academic careers. Resources like the “EUGAIN Booklet Best Practices From BSc-MSc to PhD” and “Women’s Career Lunch – Catalog of questions for the speakers” (in French, German, Portuguese, Serbian, Spanish, Turkish, and Ukrainian) are available for use.
They also participate in COST Action CA22104 BEING-WISE (Behavioural Next Generation in Wireless Networks for Cyber Security), expanding their international reach as a resource for women in computing across multiple countries and languages.
Reflecting on this research, Oleksandra notes: “Sometimes we think there are no problems in our society, but often, these issues are hidden in the shadows. Gender equality is a popular topic, and people talk about it a lot, but there’s often little real action. Take politics: there may be quotas for women, but they’re often included just to meet numbers, not to actually participate in decision-making.”
Key publications include:
- Advancing Gender Balance in Computing “Actions for Gender Balance in Informatics Across Europe”: The chapter’s strategies for supporting women in computing education and academia are highlighted in this upcoming Springer book:
- EUGAIN Booklet: Best Practices From BSc-MSc to PhD
- Catalog of Questions for Academic Institutions: A resource for career events where female students explore academic possibilities.
“Our materials aim to intervene in the career progression process for women in academia, clarifying pathways and showcasing possibilities to build confidence and encourage continuation,” explains Oleksandra.
Inspired by Leaders: Role Models Shaping Kharkiv ICT ACM-W’s Mission
The Kharkiv ICT ACM-W Chapter’s commitment to developing practical resources reflects the inspiring leadership role models that have shaped their approach to supporting women in computing. The chapter takes inspiration from prominent figures in computer science. Oleksandra highlighted two leaders whose impact on her work has been particularly significant: Bara Buhnova who was from the Czech Republic and Ruth Lennon from Ireland.
These role models represent the resilience, innovation, and inclusivity that the Kharkiv ICT ACM-W Chapter demonstrates. Based on these examples, the chapter presents a unique approach to supporting women in computing, focusing on both technical skills and community development.
As Oleksandra reflects on the Kharkiv ICT ACM-W Chapter’s guiding philosophy: “We must be resilient. Resilience means continuing our work and growth, no matter the circumstances. We need to remain responsible and open, always remembering who we are and why we’re here, striving to build a better, safer, and more resilient world for everyone around us.” This guiding philosophy is also evident in their mentorship program.
Mentorship: Building Foundations for Success
The Kharkiv ICT ACM-W Chapter’s impact stems significantly from its mentorship program. Oleksandra emphasizes their approach: “The majority of our mentoring efforts are in science. A significant number of our students receive academic guidance from us. We involve them in student competitions, scientific projects, and conferences.”
By securing scholarships, for example, through ACM-W student scholarships and COST, the chapter supports students to participate in international conferences. This support yields scientific publications and competitive recognition. Their strategy for keeping members engaged during tough times is simple yet effective: “Acknowledge each small victory! Maintain open, fun, and supportive communication.”
Oleksandr Lemeshko has been dedicated to mentoring students, assisting them in applying for international programs and fostering growth. His method incorporates technical support alongside career development assistance.
Chapter mentorship prepares students for both academic pursuits and the professional world. Corporate partnerships enable students to secure internships and employment, addressing both technical skills and professional development, including burnout prevention.
Karyna’s journey perfectly illustrates the mentorship program’s success. When she joined as an undergraduate, Oleksandra provided personal mentorship. “I tried to highlight all the academic opportunities available to her,” Oleksandra explains. “We’re working together on her academic pursuits. For two years, she was involved in several conferences, both in Ukraine and internationally.”
With Oleksandra’s guidance, Karyna’s attendance at the 2023 womENcourage conference in Trondheim was transformative. “Attending my first international conference led to many new friendships,” Karyna shares. Through mentorship, she gained technical skills and confidence, opening doors to new career opportunities. Mentees also become future mentors. Karyna now mentors newer members, creating a positive feedback loop that strengthens their community during difficult times.
Karyna’s advises to women entering the field: “Gain confidence in your abilities and build strong communities. Your gender shouldn’t define your limitations; you should exceed expectations. Don’t be limited by others; try your best and draw inspiration from everywhere. Your only limitations are self-imposed.”
The mentorship approach extends beyond individual guidance to foster broader connections that strengthen the entire ecosystem for women in computing across Ukraine and beyond.
Strength in Unity and Looking Forward: A Bold Vision Amid Challenges
The Kharkiv ICT ACM-W Chapter excels at fostering institutional collaboration. Oleksandra explained that their events connect students from Ukrainian schools and universities, creating valuable networking opportunities through cross-institutional efforts.
Their partnerships with organizations advancing women in technology reflect this collaborative spirit. They work closely with Women4Cyber Ukraine (https://www.women4cyber.org.ua/en/team/), led by President Dr. Maryna Yevdokymenko , a former co-leader of the Kharkiv ICT ACM-W Chapter who spearheaded a cybersecurity initiative connecting women in academia and industry.
Women4Cyber Ukraine is the official chapter of the Women4Cyber Foundation. The association’s mission is to support, promote, and empower Ukrainian women in the field of cybersecurity through education, community building, and professional opportunities.
The Kharkiv ICT ACM-W Chapter is ambitious about its future goals. Their plans include:
- Expanding gender-focused cybersecurity research: Their prior research is crucial in demonstrating the disproportionate effect of deepfake technology and online safety concerns on women.
- Building stronger international connections: Maintaining active involvement in womENcourage and other international forums.
- Supporting students in international mobility: Assisting students in accessing opportunities in spite of the challenges posed by the conflict in Ukraine.
- Advocating for women’s retention in computing: Examining the particular obstacles faced by Ukrainian women working in technology today.
- Developing academic resources: Developing resources to help women succeed in computing-related academics.
Oleksandr Lemeshko’s message to aspiring technologists provides compelling insight into their pursuit of their future goals: “Stay curious and keep going! Today’s challenges become tomorrow’s achievements through a combination of wonder and perseverance.”
Having navigated significant obstacles, the Kharkiv ICT ACM-W Chapter remains focused on an ambitious future, driven by defined goals and steadfast determination. As Oleksandra expressed, “Resilience is a must. No matter what obstacles arise, resilience allows you to continue your course. Keep evolving and working.”
Call to Action
The Kharkiv ICT ACM-W Chapter evidences its commitment to women in computing, even in challenging times. Their work highlights technology’s ability to connect and support communities that most need it. They also encourage sharing best practices for engaging younger students in computing with other ACM-W chapters.
The Kharkiv ICT ACM-W Chapter and ACM-W offer support through:
- Connecting with chapter leaders to join the activities they are organising.
- Joining an ACM-W Professional Chapter in your area or building your own, if there isn’t one, I am available to support you in the process.
- Sharing your stories and experiences with us.
- Finding ways to collaborate with ACM-W, for example, through our Professional Chapters Committee (where I am involved), and the ACM-W Chapters Buddy Program
Everyone can be a source of encouragement and an agent of change in their computing community!
To conclude the tour, here’s a souvenir: an infographic highlighting key moments of the Kharkiv ICT ACM-W Chapter, and how to contact us.
Contact Information for Kharkiv ICT ACM-W Chapter
Facebook: ICT ACM-W Chapter (Most Active)
Website Link: https://ictacmw.acm.org/
Email: ict.acmw@gmail.com, oleksandra.yeremenko@nure.ua
Contact Information for Ace
- Ace (asegulhulus@outlook.com)
- Ace’s LinkedIn: (www.linkedin.com/in/asegulhulus)
Looking forward to seeing you all on the next Professional Chapter tour! Your friendly guide is signing off.