In the words of entrepreneurs Iryna Periv and Iryna Andrusiak: ‘We were united by gender issues: women’s rights, equality, their realization in the world, and their place in civil society’

The women’s lingerie brand ‘Yarii Lingerie’ founded by a scientist, lawyer, public activist, and human rights defender Iryna Periv, along with a lawyer and researcher specializing in gender issues, Iryna Andrusiak, entered the market with a unique mission that goes beyond simply producing fashionable sets. This is a brand created by women for women, with a deep understanding of their needs, focusing on supporting women’s health, comfort, and confidence. About a business created with care for women's health – read in the story of Iryna Periv and Iryna Andrusiak.

‘The idea emerged about three years ago. We were united by gender issues: women’s rights, equality, their realization in the world, and their place in civil society... It so happened that this has already become our dream. Iryna and I have a generational difference, but these generations have come together, and their dreams have intertwined into a common goal — we strive to bring our ideas to life, which are filled with philosophy.

We decided to focus our efforts on lingerie for young girls and teenagers — for those who do not yet need a fully developed cup, as their breasts are still growing and developing, and should never be compressed. Currently, we are striving to develop in this direction. Our main focus is on women’s health. We collaborate with the Breast Cancer Prevention Fund "Zhinocha" which promotes a culture of women’s health awareness. We also work with a bra fitter — a specialist who teaches how to wear lingerie properly and how to choose the right sizes. We are constantly in touch with qualified doctors: a mammologist and a gynecologist. This is also one of our distinctions. Another advantage is our wide size range, which takes into account the individuality of each woman.

Thanks to the project called ‘Dreams in Action’, which was produced by NGO 'National Network of Local Philanthropy' with the support of UN Women in Ukraine and funded by the UN Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) we received a grant of $10,000 . This funding became our starting capital. We bought high-quality fabrics we had dreamed of and the sewing machines we needed. And those machines are incredible! Those machines are incredible—we even gave each one a name and take great care of them.

Participating in this project helped shape our business-focused approach, and it was when we established our social mission. We collaborate with girls who are deprived of parental care. We organize various events and lectures, and we set aside 10% from each piece of lingerie sold to later make lingerie as a gift for these girls. Additionally, we plan to establish a mentorship program where our clients can become mentors for these girls.

We're currently trying to dream cautiously, given the difficult times. But… it’s almost impossible not to dream. We are dreaming and already working on developing a corset collection. We aim to turn corsets into manifestos. They will feature excerpts from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and quotes from authors who have addressed the issues of Ukrainian womanhood — Olha Kobylianska and Oksana Zabuzhko, whose works highlight themes of Ukrainian national identity and gender. For now, it's more of a philosophical idea than a business one. Throughout history, the corset has been a garment that confined women and even caused harm. But we want to create a corset worn over clothing, over a shirt. It will enhance a woman's wardrobe, rather than restricting her and confining her within certain boundaries. While 100-200 years ago, corsets symbolized oppression and stereotypes about women, today, we want them to symbolize women’s rights and empowerment’.

Read the full story: https://www.shemade.marieclaire.ua/en/portfolio/iryna-periv-and-iryna-andrusyak-sewing-lingerie-with-a-focus-on-womens-health/

The project 'She Made: discovery & recovery of Ukraine' was created by Marie Claire Business Ukraine and UN Women Ukraine funded by The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF). WPHF mobilizes critical support for local and grassroots civil society organizations working on women, peace and security and humanitarian action. WPHF is a flexible and rapid financing mechanism supporting quality interventions designed to enhance the capacity of women to prevent conflict, respond to crises and emergencies, and seize key peacebuilding opportunities.

This publication is produced with funding from the United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), however, the views expressed and content included does not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.

Photos: UN Women Ukraine/Nadiia Berska