STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT OF GENDER EQUALITY ACHIEVEMENT IN UKRAINIAN HEIs: DEVELOPMENT TRAJECTORIES AND SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

The study evaluates the sustainability and development trajectories of gender equality achievement in Ukrainian higher education institutions based on THE Impact Rankings SDG 5 results for 2019–2025. The research is grounded on structural, level, and dynamic analysis of Ukrainian universities participating in the ranking. To ensure data comparability, rating intervals were converted to numerical values using their midpoint. A panel sample of 13 universities with at least four years of participation was formed. The study identifies progressive, stable, regressive, and turbulent trajectories of gender equality achievement. To assess sustainability, the coefficient of variation was used, and a positioning matrix was developed based on the average SDG 5 score and the median coefficient of variation. The findings reveal significant differences in universities’ ability to achieve and maintain gender equality outcomes over time. Four groups of institutions were identified: leaders, unstable leaders, stable outsiders, and turbulent universities. The proposed approach expands the analytical capacity to assess SDG 5 achievement and supports evidence-based strategic management of gender equality in higher education.