Providing Hygiene Products and Medical Supplies for Women in Ukraine

During wartime, the needs of men - Ukrainian soldiers - are prioritized, and it is difficult to get the resources that pregnant people and women need to live with dignity. Working with Ukrainian OB-GYN Dr. Natalia Leliukh, Project Kesher has put together a plan to address some of the key needs of women in Ukraine right now. Project Kesher Ukraine (PKU) has a long history of working on the health needs of Ukrainian women and girls. Needs include:

• Basic Hygiene Products: Ukrainian women do not have access to the menstrual hygiene products they need such as tampons, sanitary napkins, and sustainable menstrual products or incontinence underwear and adult diapers.

• Healthy Pregnancies and Deliveries: Pregnant people in Ukraine cannot access key prenatal vitamins right now including D3, D with Calcium, Folic acid (required to avoid birth defects of the brain and spine), and Iron and those who do not have access to a medical clinic are also in need of at-home tests for issues such as leaking amniotic fluid, to ensure the safety of the mom and fetus. Ukraine is facing a shortage of umbilical cord care kits, putting mothers and new babies at risk of infection. Pregnant and older people also require compression socks to help minimize damage from varicose veins that are being exacerbated by wartime conditions.

• Postpartum Care: There is a great need for diapers, wipes, formula, and breast pumps in Ukraine right now. In addition, women need to be able to self-test for problems such as candida and vaginosis so that they can get tele-med support in areas where the medical infrastructure has been decimated.

Maintaining Jewish Life, Jewish Materials in Ukrainian and B’not Mitzvah

Ukrainian Jews are swiftly moving away from using Russian language materials and we are committed to continuing to provide them access to meaningful Jewish life. To that end, PKU is commissioning the creation of a Ukrainian siddur and haggadah. In addition, after our successful launch of the B’not Mitzvah program in 2022, PK will conduct a second year of celebrations in Jerusalem, Moscow and Minsk. Moreover, with sufficient funding, we will gather Ukrainian women and girls across Europe for study by Zoom and in-person for their B’not Mitzvah.

Supporting Financial Self-Sufficiency Now and Post-War

PKU has decided to use its new Ukrainian Women’s Opportunity Fund to assist women in purchasing equipment and supplies to reopen small businesses, learn skills specifically identified by hiring partner companies, and sell goods and services from home. PKU has already begun to support small businesses and purchase their products for other programs including deodorant and lip balm from a woman-owned business in Bucha and challah covers that are being sewn in Central Ukraine and printed in Lviv.

Supporting Ukrainian Women and Children Refugees in Europe

As PKU-trained leaders land in different countries across Europe, they are working with PKU staff to share key information with others entering these countries - how to register for benefits, purchase inexpensive cell phone plans, and enroll their children in schools and summer camps. PKU is also subsidizing medical care for women who cannot immediately get appointments and have specific medical issues that need to be addressed, often injuries related to the war or that occurred as a result of domestic violence or assault while moving to safety. PKU is also providing online English language classes for women at different levels of proficiency because English is the best way for temporarily displaced Ukrainians to communicate.

Supporting Ukrainian Refugees in Israel

PKI is providing support programs for hundreds of new immigrants to Israel, including virtual and in-person mental health groups and tours and classes for Ukrainians to learn Hebrew and Israeli culture. And in partnership with local municipalities and other partner groups, PKI is assisting refugees with applying for benefits, opening bank accounts, and getting children enrolled in schools and summer camps. In addition, PKI is giving out debit cards to refugees - particularly households with non-Jewish partners and those in the LGBTQ+ community who are struggling to get Israeli citizenship and access to benefits.