A project by Footage Foundation
Our vision for FemSMS is to create resources for women and girls* offering hope and social connection. It equips them with trusted information in these transformative times through the delivery of text messages using compassionate language to end information poverty, increase resilience and build belonging. Voices are heard, experiences shared and lives elevated.
* While FemSMS is based on feminist principles, wellbeing is intersectional, and crisis and times of change will impact all gender expressions. Our texts are for all those impacted.
FemSMS App
The development of the FemSMS mobile app, the design of which commenced in 2024, has been made possible through the committed support of Project Kesher and Project Kesher Ukraine, whose partnership has allowed us to build something durable at a time when durability feels increasingly rare.
The app carries forward the original survivor-informed SMS model and makes it more accessible in conditions where infrastructure is targeted and connectivity is unstable; it includes a library of resources, grounding practices, safety information, and emergency contacts, with offline functionality designed for environments where power and signal cannot be assumed. It widens the ecosystem that already exists — currently in Ukrainian, with key elements in English and French — and will continue to evolve as the needs of women living through crisis evolve.
About FemSMS
Designs, tests, and disseminates compassionate resources focusing on needs as they arise
Trauma-informed messages provide solace while simultaneously conveying essential information.
Women’s voices and local contexts sit at the heart of the initiative as all messages are iteratively designed and tested, through a human-centered design process.
Participatory design ensures needs are met, communication is effective, and research and impact evaluation is on-going.
Our Impact & Research
Press & Media
Sign up now for FemSMS
FemSMS Ukraine
“It was a feeling like a close friend messages you. I really liked the style, the feeling of unconditional care, love and understanding of it.”
— Ukrainian FemSMS recipient
Focusing on gender-based violence, mental health, safety, and women’s health — If you are in Ukraine or the region and would like to receive FemSMS please click below.
FemSMS USA
Reproductive health, freedom, and mental wellbeing
Focuses on reproductive health, freedom, and mental wellbeing and compassion. We are currently launching FemSMS in the USA, sign-ups start in August and our first test begins in September. Please click below to be part of the trial.
FemSMS
Compassion Advocates
Coming soon!
Help AND benefit. Focuses on wellbeing, compassion focused therapeutic ideas/mental health, community, and voices from others around the world (e.g., notes from Ukraine). Compassion Advocates are subscribers who receive the benefits of FemSMS while ensuring life-saving messages reach others in crisis zones.
Watch this space!
*Data are generated through 3 trials with surveyed participants from Ukraine. In Ukraine thus far 20% of recipients have been surveyed online or in a telephone interview.
Compassionate Collaborators
Follow @footageproject for more FemSMS updates
