As part of the Women’s Health project, project teams in communities regularly engage with women with disabilities and their families. Each conversation helps us better understand the barriers they face in their daily lives and why timely targeted cash assistance can make a meaningful difference.
In the Chernivtsi community live Natalia and her daughter Lesia. Over the years, they have learned to cope with everyday challenges on their own, as previous attempts to seek support had brought no results.
“I reached out to many different organizations, but nothing ever came of it. This is the first time we've been heard,” Natalia says.
Lesia is 36 years old and has had a disability since childhood. For many years, she has required ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation. Today, the greatest challenge affecting her daily life is recurrent seizures, which make it difficult for her to feel safe and maintain her usual routine.
Financial pressure is another significant challenge for the family. A large share of the household budget goes toward medical treatment and everyday expenses, leaving too little for even basic necessities. For many years, Lesia has not had a warm winter coat.
That is why the family decided to use the cash assistance received through the Women’s Health project to purchase a warm winter coat.
“I want to buy Lesia a warm winter coat. It means so much to us. We are deeply grateful for this support,” Natalia says.
A winter coat is an essential item during the cold season. Yet for this family, it had remained out of reach for years, as the costs of medical care and daily support always had to come first. Thanks to this assistance, they are finally able to meet this important need.
Sometimes, support is measured by more than the amount of financial assistance provided. It is also measured by the feeling that someone sees you, listens to you, and cares. This is the core value of the Women’s Health project: helping women with disabilities and their families access the support they need, preserve their dignity, and know that they do not have to face life’s challenges alone.
Oleksandra Perkova, Communications Manager of the Project
