"Mission – Life": EVA and NGO "Zemliachky" Announce Fundraising for Protective Gear for Combat Medics

Today, more than 70,000 women serve in the Armed Forces. They perform combat tasks on par with men — on the front lines, in hospitals, in intelligence, in sapper units. But so far, most of the army equipment — bulletproof vests, uniforms, shoes — is not created for them. It is designed for male anatomy, larger sizes, and a different body structure.

As a result, women have to adapt their uniforms, layer clothes, and wear shoes that are not their size. This is not just inconvenient. In combat conditions, such "details" become critical: they chafe, hinder movement, make rapid evacuation impossible, or even create a danger to life.  Anatomically inappropriate ammunition is a hidden but real cause of losses. And before demanding resilience and results from a woman, she needs to be given protection that really works.

"Medics are the ones who save lives under fire. They have to evacuate the wounded from the battlefield, work in field hospitals and trenches. Their work requires endurance, professionalism and instant decisions. But in order to save others, they themselves must be protected", — explains Ksenia Drahanyuk, co-founder of the NGO "Zemlyachky".

As part of the "Mission — Life" campaign, it is planned to raise 4 million hryvnias to purchase full equipment for 80 combat medics. Each set will include a bulletproof vest, helmet, military uniform, shoes, sleeping bag and karemat. The cost of one is 50,000 hryvnias. This equipment will be adapted to the female body — and this is critical for medics to be able to work effectively and safely.

Everyone can join the fundraising by making a contribution from 1 hryvnia at the checkout in EVA stores or online on the special campaign page. 

"For EVA, supporting the Defense Forces of Ukraine is one of the key areas. But we also strive to implement initiatives that correspond to the values of our audience – primarily women. The joint project with the NGO "Zemlyachky" is an opportunity not only to support our defenders, but also to express gratitude to women who save lives every day. It combines care, empathy and strength. This is a way to show that EVA is always there — both in everyday moments and in the most difficult times", — says Oleksandra Hnatyk, Head of PR at EVA network.

The campaign will last until July 31, 2025 inclusive. Each contribution is a real chance to save the life of a defender who saves others.