The story of Iryna, a young mother from Chernihiv region
“Sometimes it seems like I just can't take it anymore. I worry about my husband, but at the same time I have to be strong for my children,” says Iryna, a young mother from Chernihiv. When her husband went to the front, she was left alone with her seven-year-old daughter Liza and her little son, who was not even a year old.
Loneliness and responsibility weighed heavily on her. Anxiety became her constant companion. She followed the news and supported her elderly parents and her husband's family. She tried to help everyone. But her inner resources were running out.
One day, Iryna learned about the Safe Space “Let's PROTECT Her TOGETHER” is a place where women can get support and distract themselves from anxious thoughts. Iryna admits that her first visit was to enroll her daughter in a creative master class, as she loves to draw. During the first class, Liza was beaming with excitement, while Iryna just watched from the sidelines. During the second class, she helped her daughter hold the brush. And during the third class, she decorated a cup herself.
Gradually, Iryna began attending other events. Painting shopping bags, making scented candles, tie-dyeing T-shirts. And then she became a regular attendee at psychological meetings for women.“I learned to find time for myself. And when mom is happy, the children are happy too,” she smiles.
Today, Iryna copes with all her responsibilities, but now she feels that there is room in her life for rest and recovery. Her story is the story of thousands of women who bear a double burden during a crisis. And who find the courage to take a step towards themselves.______
The project "PROTECT Her TOGETHER: Strengthening Communities, Saving Lives" is being implemented in cooperation with the International Organization Corus International , the ICF "Ukrainian Foundation for Public Health", NGO "League of Modern Women" and NGO "Infection Control in Ukraine" and with the financial support of the Humanitarian Foundation for Ukraine.
