Our Impact & Research
Ukrainian Women Emergency Situation
In Ukraine alone, according to UN Women, 8 million women and girls will need humanitarian assistance in 2024.
Launched by Footage and partners in Ukraine in April 2022, FemSMS responds to information poverty by testing and providing compassionate text-based information for women across Ukraine and the region.
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World's first trauma-informed compassionate SMS service built through human-centered design in a crisis zone.
1260+
young women reached (900 direct recipients and 360 indirect).
95%
of respondents found the messages useful, very useful, or extremely useful.
Because of you, we continue our work across the globe, including our crucial work reaching those directly affected by war in Ukraine. FemSMS, our compassionate text communication system, continues to pioneer real-time information sharing among women during times of war and crisis.
Outcomes
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Over 79% of those surveyed remember feeling «supported».
Question: «Do you remember any emotions you felt when reading these texts?»
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Over 86% of those surveyed found FemSMS to be either extremely or very useful.
Question: «On a scale of 1-5 how useful did you find this content?»
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Over 97% of participants liked the tone and/or feel of the messages
Question: «Did you like the tone/feel of the messages?»
To date, five iterative research interventions have been completed, and many subsequent tested text series have been delivered. In fact, more than 13,000 messages in Ukrainian have reached over 900 women, with close to 40% of those surveyed forwarding messages to family and friends, including those displaced outside of Ukraine. Overall, 95% of recipients found the messages useful, very useful, or extremely useful, and 86% want to register for future notifications. The top three emotions women reported after reading texts were feeling cared for, supported, and informed.
The top three emotions women reported after reading texts were feeling cared for, supported, and informed.
Ukrainian FemSMS recipient
“When you read, you realize that you are not alone. There were useful tips on food and water. Plus resources are useful, such as psychological messages, links.”
Ukrainian FemSMS recipient
“It was a feeling like when a close friend messages you. The feeling of unconditional care, love, and understanding.”
As you know from our previous communications, while FemSMS addresses crucial issues such as sexual assault, human trafficking, and strategies for coping with wartime stress among women and children, it also offers messages of hope, wellbeing, and solace. Focusing on mental health and wellbeing has never been more urgent.
Survey Findings
Compassion
Life-saving Information
The project is being co-led by three dedicated young Ukrainian women – Alyona, Iryna and Maria – who you may remember reading about in previous newsletters. Being able to continue working with Ukrainian young women is essential as 72% of those without employment in Ukraine are women. Footage is incredibly proud to work alongside these young women – learning from their courage and compassionate leadership.
Support
As long as women are affected by conflict and crises, we will continue to campaign to ensure that they have access to this crucial service. As ever, we remain immensely grateful to Project Kesher and Project Kesher Ukraine, our steadfast partners in delivering this program.
900+
women have received messages in Ukrainian, with close to 40% of those surveyed forwarding messages to family and friends, including those displaced outside of Ukraine.
13000+
texts with life-saving information sent across a war zone.
All Amounts and
In-Kind Contributions Make a Difference
As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit registered with the IRS, your donations are US tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
VENMO: Find us on Footage-NGO
Follow @footageproject for more FemSMS updates
