Women in Energy Photo Contest: Olena Kasianchuk

The Photographer Behind the Image

• Inspiration and background: 

  I was inspired first and foremost by the history of our community. Lytovezh has long been closely connected to the coal industry, so we understand the risks of depending on a single large enterprise. For me, the energy transition is about our community’s future: creating new opportunities, strengthening energy independence and ensuring that our public institutions remain resilient and sustainable.

  I think the biggest challenge for women in energy is the persistent stereotype that energy is primarily a “male” field. When a woman takes part in discussions on technical solutions, generation capacity, grid connections or equipment, she may have to make an extra effort for her expertise to be taken just as seriously. My experience has taught me that the best response to such stereotypes is results. When solar power is operating, public funds are being saved and essential services remain available during outages, it no longer matters whether you are a man or a woman. Results can change perceptions and encourage more women to enter and lead in the energy sector.

• Short biography:

  I was born and raised in Lytovezh, a small community in the Volyn region of Ukraine, where I continue to live and work today. I graduated from Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University with a degree in Philology. For 16 years, I worked as a teacher of Ukrainian language and literature at the local school before moving into local self-government in 2016. I first served as Secretary of the Lytovezh Village Council and was elected Head of the Lytovezh Territorial Community in 2020.

  My professional path from education to local government has always been closely connected with my community and its future. As the head of a community historically linked to the coal industry, I see the energy transition as one of our key opportunities to become more resilient, economically sustainable and energy independent. I have also participated in international exchanges focused on the transformation of coal regions, including a study visit to Poland to learn from the experience of former and transitioning mining areas.

  In recent years, I have initiated and coordinated the development of solar energy in Lytovezh. We began with solar power plants at the Diia.Center and the local outpatient clinic and have since expanded solar generation to other municipal facilities. I have been personally involved in identifying opportunities, building partnerships and guiding the community through the process of becoming an “active consumer” of electricity.

  For me, leadership is about looking beyond immediate challenges and creating opportunities for the future. My goal is to help transform Lytovezh from a community historically dependent on coal into a community that embraces clean energy, greater energy independence and sustainable development. I believe that even a small rural community can lead meaningful change – and that women can be among those who initiate and drive this transformation.