As we reach the next milestone in our mission to champion gender diversity and inclusive leadership, we are thrilled to introduce Insights by WoBua — a dynamic platform designed to empower and amplify the voices of the remarkable women who are driving changes across Ukraine. Our goal is to create a space where our members can lead discussions, share their expertise, and advance major areas of development, particularly during these challenging and transformative times.

Insights by WoBua is more than just a publication; it is a testament to the strength, resilience, and professionalism of the women who are shaping the future of Ukraine. Insights will spotlight major outcomes and drive discussions on the most pressing professional topics—from gender equality to good corporate governance, from geopolitical to energy security, and from banking regulations to agro-sector competitiveness. There are no limits and no topics beyond the competence and knowledge of our members. Ukrainian women, the members of Women on Boards Ukraine, possess the insight and expertise to lead these vital discussions.

Through this platform, we aim to highlight their contributions, showcase their insights, and inspire a broader conversation about the most relevant and important issues facing Ukraine today. The stories and perspectives shared in The Insights are a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when women take the opportunity to lead and influence at the highest levels.

This launch comes at a pivotal time for Ukraine. As our nation faces both unprecedented challenges and new opportunities, the women of Women on Boards Ukraine are at the forefront — thriving in their roles and making significant contributions that will shape the future of our country. We hope that as you engage with The Insights, you will be inspired by their stories and join us in supporting the next generation of women leaders.

Together, let's continue to build a more equitable and inclusive corporate landscape, one where the strength and vision of women leaders are recognized and celebrated. We cordially invite you to be part of this journey and will appreciate your engagement in championing transformation and empowerment for the betterment of Ukraine and beyond.

In its inaugural year, WoBua has made significant strides in championing gender equality at the highest levels of corporate governance. Our collective efforts have been focused on promoting and supporting gender-equal opportunities through strategic partnerships, impactful events, and a steadfast commitment to empowering women leaders across various sectors. WoBua has successfully established its initial membership base, welcoming 50 dedicated members, including 8 honorary members: Natalie Jaresko, Olena Voloshyna, Lisa Kaestner, Alexa Chopivsky, Olga Bielkova, Anna Derevyanko, Iryna Rubis, and Oxana Strashna. This diverse group of influential women is united by a common goal: advancing gender diversity on corporate boards. Our honorary supporters, who publicly advocate for equal participation of women in key decision-making roles, exemplify the growing support for this critical cause. We are proud to see this group of supporters expanding, primarily consisting of men, reflecting a broad commitment to gender equality. The growth of our community underscores our shared dedication to reshaping Ukraine's leadership landscape. Strategic partnerships have been crucial in advancing our mission. We have collaborated with leading organizations such as Female Quotient, European Women on Boards, Women on Boards UK, and Women on Boards Belgium. These alliances have connected us with global expertise and resources, providing new opportunities for our members to grow and increase their influence, further solidifying our presence on the international stage.

Additionally, we have formed strategic relationships with the Ukrainian Corporate Governance Academy and the Corporate Governance Professional Association. Although not formal partnerships, these collaborations have been invaluable in aligning our efforts to promote best practices in corporate governance and enhance the role of women leaders in Ukraine. Throughout the year, WoBua organized and conducted 20 events designed to educate, inspire, and connect our community members. These events were carefully structured around three pillars: community-building, educational and inspirational sessions, and showcasing the exceptional talent, strength, and resilience of Ukrainian professional women to the world. Our calendar featured a mix of formats to cater to our members' diverse needs and locations, ensuring meaningful engagement across borders.

Notable educational and inspirational events included:

• Boardroom Careers with Fiona Hathorn, CEO of Women on Boards UK
• Confidence Masterclass with Sarah Perris, former Worldwide Communications Director at Ford Motor and Bentley Motors
• Alice Breeden from the CEO & Board of Directors Practice in Europe and Africa discussed "Global Trends in the Boardroom."
• Mary Meaney, Senior Partner at McKinsey, addressed "Game Change for Female Leadership in the Corporate World."

Additionally, we hosted 5 high-impact in-person events across major cities like Brussels, London, Kyiv, and Berlin. A highlight was our event in Brussels, which began with a breakfast at the prestigious Heidrick & Struggles office, where Marie Helen, Head of Board Practice, shared her insights on career development. The day continued with a friendly dinner attended by Vsevolod Chentsov, Head of Ukraine's Mission to the European Union, followed by our members' participation in a conference focused on strengthening connections between Ukraine and European businesses. One of WoBua's key goals is to introduce the exceptional talent of Ukrainian professional women to the global stage. Five events have been organized for our international partners and friendly communities aimed at providing a platform for our members to share their stories of resilience, professionalism, and leadership during wartime. These events attracted 300 attendees and garnered incredible feedback, with comments ranging from "The event was a powerful reminder of the incredible impact that Ukrainian women are making, even in the face of adversity" to "The insights shared were invaluable. The women of Ukraine are not just surviving; they are thriving and setting a new standard for global leadership.", just a few passionate comments shared by participants. WoBua's global presence has been marked by active participation in prestigious international forums and conferences, including the Asian Summit by the Milken Institute, Reykjavik Global Forum 2023, Davos side events and YES conferences, Ukrainian Banking Day in London, the 6th International Corporate Governance Forum, the Rebuild Ukraine Business Forum in Toronto, and the "Finance of the conference of the Polish Bank Association in Warsaw, among others. These platforms have provided us with unique opportunities to advocate for gender diversity and highlight the leadership of Ukrainian women on a global scale.

As we reflect on our first year's challenges and achievements, we recognize that this has been a year of laying the groundwork. The progress we've made is just the beginning, a foundation upon which we will build an even stronger and more impactful community.

Our vision for the future is clear: we aim to grow our membership, bringing together over 100 of Ukraine's most influential and dedicated women leaders. This growth will not only strengthen our network but also amplify our collective voice, ensuring that women have a decisive role in shaping the future of corporate governance and beyond.

In the coming year, we are committed to deepening our involvement in the major streams of Ukraine's reconstruction and development. By leveraging strategic partnerships and fostering new alliances, we will ensure that our members are at the forefront of critical initiatives, contributing their expertise to drive meaningful change.

Our focus will also be on expanding our influence through research and thought leadership. By equipping our members with cutting-edge knowledge and insights, we will empower them to lead with confidence and vision in these transformative times.

The foundation we have laid in the past year positions us perfectly to grow, to lead, and to inspire. We are deeply grateful to our financial partner, Asters, for their unwavering support, and to our members for their invaluable contributions. Your commitment has been the cornerstone of our success, and together, we will continue to drive Ukraine forward through the strength and vision of our women leaders. Women on Boards Ukraine is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women in leadership and increasing their representation on corporate boards in Ukraine and globally. Our mission is to create a supportive community that promotes inclusive decision-making, advocates for gender equality in boardrooms, and showcases the exceptional talents of Ukrainian women on the world stage.

Our members are seasoned professionals with extensive expertise across a wide range of industries. Collectively, they have served on the boards of 58 companies, bringing critical skills in areas such as digital strategy, compliance and legal, audit and risk management, investment, fundraising, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). This diverse expertise positions our members to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of corporate governance in Ukraine.

WoBua actively supports legislative reforms to improve gender balance on boards, aligning with the European Directive (EU) 2022/2381. We focus on building global partnerships and providing our members with educational and mentoring opportunities. At WoBua, we uphold the highest ethical standards, believing that integrity and transparency are essential to shaping a better future for Ukraine and beyond.