Women leaders in Ukraine have emerged as vital architects of change, significantly shaping the nation's political, social, and economic landscapes. These leaders are not only breaking traditional barriers but also fostering collaboration across sectors, driving grassroots initiatives, and influencing policy decisions. Svitlana Romanko, Founder & Acting Executive Director of Razom We Stand and an environmental lawyer and climate justice advocate, began her career as a university professor.

Her first taste of international collaboration came through the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law, a pivotal experience that introduced her to global environmental law scholars. Alongside her teaching, she worked with local grassroots environmental organizations, which fueled her passion for climate activism. Her journey took a significant turn when she joined 350.org, becoming the first senior campaigner in the Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia region. Over five years, she rose to Managing Director, leading impactful campaigns across 14 countries, including Ukraine and Russia.

Svitlana then joined the Laudato Si’ Movement, where she coordinated global efforts to divest from fossil fuels, successfully leading one of the largest faith-based divestments, amounting to over $6 billion. In response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Svitlana spearheaded Stand with Ukraine, a movement dedicated to banning Russian fossil fuels and advocating for Ukraine's and global clean energy future. Under her leadership, the movement grew to include 850 organizations from 60 countries.

Embarking on a distinctive exchange with The Global Women Leader magazine, Svitlana divulges the intricate facets of her journey as a prominent leader from Ukraine. Let's explore further.

"Our vision is to create a peaceful, just world where renewable, affordable, & secure energy systems serve all people"

What key areas of expertise have you developed as an environmental lawyer and climate justice campaigner?

As an environmental lawyer and climate justice campaigner, I have developed a deep understanding of the global supply and demand dynamics of fossil fuel production and use. This expertise allows me to navigate the complex legislative, political, and economic frameworks that shape the industry. My legal background helps me engage with power brokers, political stakeholders, and legislative acts, ensuring I can campaign strategically and effectively.

What motivated you to establish Razom We Stand, and what is its core mission and specialization?

I founded Razom We Stand, a nonprofit organization because I saw the urgent need to address the devastating impacts of fossil fuel dependency, both in Ukraine and globally. As a high-impact campaign group, our core mission is to end fossil fuel conflicts, combat climate chaos, and accelerate the clean energy revolution.

Our mission is to drive global change to end fossil fuel dependency and rebuild our country with renewable energy by 2030. We are the only organization in Ukraine dedicated to this cause, and we take a radical approach in pushing for immediate action.

We are a growing global organization with 18 people across Ukraine, the US, Europe, and beyond. We hope to inspire other nations affected by fossil fuel regimes to join the fight for a sustainable future by defunding Russia’s fossil fuel economy and leading Ukraine’s renewable revolution.

What are your key roles and responsibilities as the Founder & Acting Executive Director of Razom We Stand?

My role is all-encompassing, working around the clock to oversee organizational processes, campaigns, and the global impact of our efforts. I lead fundraising initiatives and build partnerships to ensure we have the resources needed to make a difference. I am also closely associated with the Ukrainian resistance and the global movement to end fossil fuel addiction, particularly about Putin's war machine.

I focus on empowering and growing new leaders within my team and beyond. My key responsibilities also include strategizing, building networks, and connecting Ukraine’s energy revolution to the global fight for climate justice and peace.

What do you consider your biggest professional achievements so far?

One of my biggest professional achievements is building Razom We Stand from the ground up and the impact that we have achieved since February 2022. In the beginning, I was alone, with no staff or resources, just volunteers and friends who believed in the mission. I stayed committed to the cause, and over time, resources and opportunities came as a result of staying true to the work I was passionate about. In October and December 2022, I attended life-changing evens with funders who trusted and supported me.

Another proud moment was at COP 27, where I stood up against the Russian delegation, calling out the genocidal actions of their government and the destructive impact of their oil and gas on Ukraine. Though it was dangerous and led to me being banned from certain events, it strengthened my resolve.

Svitlana Romanko, Founder & Acting Executive Director, Razom We Stand

Svitlana Romanko has a Specialist degree from Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University and a PhD in Environmental Law from the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine. She founded Razom We Stand and served as Campaign Coordinator for Stand with Ukraine. Previously, she was the Eastern Europe Managing Director at 350.org and Associate Professor of Environmental Law at her alma mater.