Within the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme project “KA220-VET ConstructHer Future” (CoHER), Lutsk National Technical University has launched activities aimed at developing the CoHER Support Network in Ukraine — an initiative designed to empower young women in technical education, especially in the construction sector, through mentoring, collaboration, and professional guidance.
The CoHER Support Network brings together students, educators, and industry professionals to foster a supportive environment where future specialists can explore career opportunities, build confidence, and develop practical ideas for inclusive and sustainable urban spaces.
What is the CoHER Support Network?
The CoHER Support Network is a collaborative mentoring and professional development ecosystem created within the ConstructHer Future project. It connects:
– female students in technical and construction-related fields,
– academic staff,
– representatives of industry.
Through this cooperation, the network promotes gender equality in vocational education and training (VET) and supports the development of practical competencies needed for future careers in construction and urban development.
At LNTU, the network was introduced through an orientation mentoring meeting held in a blended format, with students from the university and the Liubeshiv Technical Professional College of LNTU, as well as mentors from the construction and urban planning sectors.
What are the benefits of the CoHER Support Network?
Participation in the network provides students with important academic and professional advantages:
– Professional mentoring
– Career orientation
– Practical project experience
– Support for women in technical fields
An important feature of the CoHER Support Network in Ukraine is its practice-oriented mentoring approach. Students are not only learning from mentors but also developing their own concepts of spatial transformation.
Participants selected several socially relevant thematic directions for their work:
– Design of a public space concept (for example, a square or community plaza);
– Concept of a safe and inclusive courtyard (for residential buildings or public institutions);
– Revitalisation of abandoned spaces, giving new life to unused buildings, neglected courtyards, or inactive playground areas.
These topics reflect current priorities in sustainable urban development and demonstrate how young women can actively contribute to improving the quality, accessibility, and inclusiveness of community environments.
Building opportunities through mentoring
Within the CoHER mentoring programme, mentors were matched with students based on their academic interests and project themes, ensuring targeted collaboration and meaningful professional dialogue. Participants discussed expectations, communication strategies, and future collaboration steps, forming the foundation for long-term interaction within the support network.
The mentoring programme is a key element of the broader CoHER initiative. By strengthening cooperation between universities, colleges, municipalities, and industry representatives, the CoHER Support Network in Ukraine supports young women in developing confidence, professional identity, and leadership potential in construction-related fields.
