About the group

We are all women affected by war (…) Ukrainians need their own organization – we want Martynka to stay in Poland and Europe for a long time. We will continue to fight rape culture, normalize the freedom to make decisions about one’s own body and reproduction, and build solidarity ties with other Polish citizens.

Martynka was founded in March 2022 – just after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – by women from Ukraine. Among them there are persons who are non-heteronormative and those who have experienced violence. The group wanted to support refugees who found themselves in Poland as a result of the war, especially people experiencing gender violence or in need of help in accessing contraception, abortion, or gynecological care. Currently, Martynka provides support regardless of country of origin, it helps non-binary and transgender persons as well as sex workers. Throughout the summer of 2023, the Foundation recorded more cases of human trafficking than during its entire previous existence. Victims of human trafficking have recently also been a large group that benefits from Martynka’s support.

About the action

We provide social services with dignity, just the way we would like to receive them. For us, work is a way of dealing with the nightmare of war: we feel that we are contributing to the feminist change and freedom of our country.

Martynka supports mothers with children – the most numerous group among refugees, who are also particularly vulnerable to human trafficking, violence, and discrimination. Other groups include migrants from the LGBTQ+ community as well as teenagers and non-cis men up to the age of 25, at risk of danger, loneliness, and violence.

The Foundation operates an around-the-clock helpline for refugees and migrants, provides free psychological support (regarding trauma, sexual violence, and PTSD). It also offers legal support, assistance in accessing public services, Polish language lessons. In Krakow, Martynka runs a shelter for refugees with experience of gender-based violence.

Grant amount: PLN 60,000

Photograph from the group’s own materials