We understand how challenging it can be for women in such difficult times like now to find a moment to take care of themselves and their health. That’s why the NGO ‘Women in Media,’ with the support of the International Press Institute, has implemented the program ‘Taking Care of Our Health.’ Within this program, 57 Ukrainian journalists and other media workers received assistance.
These journalists are from the following cities and regions: Sloviansk, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Rivne, Uman, Lviv, Kryvyi Rih, Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Kropyvnytskyi, Lutsk, Chernivtsi, Tarasove village in Volyn Oblast, Chutove village, Poltava Oblast, Uzhhorod, and Krynichky village in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Here are some feedbacks about the program:
As part of this program, we covered the expenses for Ukrainian media professionals related to visits to the doctor for health check-ups, preventive examinations, and/or the use of services from medical laboratories (such as “annual health check-ups,” “women’s oncology panel,” “healthy heart and vessels,” “thyroid gland check,” etc., from “Synevo,” “Dila,” etc.) — with a limit of up to 5000 UAH per person. Over 30 women received assistance.
Additionally, we provided voluntary health insurance from the company “UNICA” for one year to 25 media professionals. The total insurance coverage is 175,000 UAH. This package includes coverage for acute health conditions, exacerbation of chronic illnesses, accidents (injuries, burns, poisonings), outpatient and polyclinic care, physiotherapy procedures (10 procedures per year), daycare, emergency medical services, and additionally — one check-up of choice from the proposed list.
During the selection process, preference was given to: war correspondents, journalists from vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities (PWD), LGBT individuals, single mothers, those from ethnic communities, women working or having worked directly in conflict zones, as well as active participants in the community.
Some other feedbacks:
“Medical insurance is a very helpful option. I got rid of the fear that at any moment I could find myself in a situation where I would have to spend a significant sum on sudden health deterioration. I also have the opportunity to undergo a medical examination in a good clinic regarding issues that have long been a concern for me. It’s very pleasant that someone cares about the health of female journalists because in most independent editorial offices, the option of corporate health insurance is not available, and salaries in journalism do not always allow for individual arrangements. I am very grateful for the opportunity; it has made me feel more secure in both living and working,” – Polina Vernigor, war journalist.
“I consider the voluntary health insurance program one of the most important and successful initiatives to support Ukrainian female journalists. It revolves around physical and mental health, which are paramount for the ability to perform our work every day. In the future, I plan to take advantage of the insurance and undergo several preventive examinations, something that is often neglected in the current circumstances due to lack of time and motivation. This, in turn, significantly lowers immunity and affects overall physical well-being. Of course, I will also turn to medical facilities in case of acute conditions. As a manager, I am also exploring opportunities to provide health insurance for my team. It’s about the care that cannot be measured materially, and people are the company’s most valuable asset,” – Anastasiia Shybiko, Director of “Vilne Radio.”
“The presence of an insurance policy allows us to quickly receive medical assistance in case of emergencies when there is no time to wait for appointments with state doctors. Additionally, partial compensation for the cost of medications is also important. The ability to consult a doctor through insurance encourages us to be more vigilant about our needs and seek medical attention earlier, at the first signs, rather than when the health situation becomes critical,” – Marina Sinqayivska, Deputy CEO of IA “Ukrinform.”
Recall that in 2022, the NGO “Women in Media,” in collaboration with the Urgent Action Fund, implemented the “Media Women Crisis Assistance Program.” The program provided funds for a several-day retreat in the Carpathians, the opportunity to undergo medical examinations and tests, as well as consultations with a psychotherapist to restore mental health. During the program, assistance was provided to over 50 women working in Ukrainian media.