The Kyiv URBACT Local Group (ULG) met online on 30 October 2026 within the UNIDAS4EU project. The meeting was led by ULG Coordinator Vitalii Stashuk, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at Dragomanov Ukrainian State University, and brought together representatives of the University and the Kyiv City Center for Gender Equality, Prevention and Counteraction to Violence.
The meeting focused on current ULG activities and opportunities for practical cooperation between project stakeholders in the field of domestic and gender-based violence prevention, with particular attention to the upcoming “16 Days of Activism against Violence” campaign.
The meeting began with a presentation by Vitalii Stashuk and Viktoriia Lendel, Deputy Director of the Kyiv City Center for Gender Equality, Prevention and Counteraction to Violence. Participants discussed the campaign's objectives, including raising public awareness of violence, strengthening prevention, promoting healthy and respectful relationships, and encouraging cooperation between relevant institutions.
Strengthening cooperation with Dragomanov Ukrainian State University
Representatives of the University discussed opportunities to participate in the campaign and presented proposals for joint educational, awareness-raising, methodological and practical activities.
Particular attention was given to combining the University's academic and educational expertise with the Center's practical experience in supporting people affected by violence.
The proposed areas of cooperation included:
🔹 Organising creative workshops for children and parents to promote positive communication and healthy family relationships.
🔹 Developing information brochures and methodological guidelines on violence prevention and support for people affected by violence.
🔹 Organising educational activities, lectures and practical sessions for university students.
🔹 Developing professional training opportunities for the Center's staff, including initiatives to prevent professional burnout.
🔹 Exploring student internships and practical training opportunities at the Center.
🔹 Promoting joint research, publications and participation in academic and professional conferences.
Next steps
Participants agreed that the “16 Days of Activism against Violence” campaign would also be implemented at Dragomanov Ukrainian State University. The University confirmed its readiness to organise educational, awareness-raising and practical activities, while the Center expressed its willingness to provide expertise and participate in the planned initiatives.
The next steps will include coordinating the programme, defining the topics and dates of activities, and further developing opportunities for long-term cooperation between the University and the Center within the UNIDAS4EU project.