Gender Analysis of Governance and Financial Management in Higher Education Institutions of Ukraine

Abstract

Higher education institutions are to play an important role in Ukraine's postwar revival as knowledge institutions equipped with knowledge and skills required for EU membership preparation, economic modernization, recovery of territories devastated by war, restoration of social justice. To properly implement their social mission, Ukrainian HEIs are to update their financial governance system allowing for more gender balance. The paper investigated the organization of financial governance, distribution of roles in financial management between men and women, women representation in university governing bodies at ten Ukrainian HEIs that differ in size, profile, and location. The findings revealed absence of gender parity in university governance; dominance of men in university governing bodies and institutional leadership positions (as Heads of HEI and Deputy Heads), while the staff of financial management structures (Accounting and Financial Divisions) is overwhelmingly female. Gender disbalance may limit the capacity of Ukrainian HEIs to take effective financial decisions.