Discover how Project Shoebox, now in its ninth year, is making a difference in the lives of women facing adversity in Poland. Learn how you can contribute to this meaningful initiative and support women in your community.
A Small Box with a Big Impact
As International Women’s Day approaches on 8th March, communities worldwide reflect on the achievements and challenges of women. In Poland, this day is marked by various traditions, including giving flowers and small gifts to women as tokens of appreciation. However, beyond these gestures lies a deeper need to support women facing significant hardships such as poverty, homelessness, and domestic violence. Project Shoebox, an initiative founded in 2017 by Magdalena Kornaś-Owsiana, Agata Frydrychowicz, and Alicja Marcinek, addresses this need by providing essential hygiene products to women in crisis.
The Mission Behind Project Shoebox
Project Shoebox aims to deliver boxes filled with cosmetics and hygiene products to women in need, offering not only practical assistance but also a message of solidarity and dignity. Each shoebox contains 10 to 12 new, unused items, including soaps, shampoos, shower gels, menstrual hygiene products, skincare and cosmetic items, and even small pieces of jewellery or perfumes. These boxes are distributed through over 40 partner organizations to reach women across Poland.
Our goal is not just to provide basic necessities but also to send a message that these women are valued and deserve care and kindness.
explains Agata Frydrychowicz, a member of the Shoebox Committee.
Expanding Reach in 2025
In its ninth edition, Project Shoebox has set an ambitious goal to prepare 2,000 boxes for distribution in Poznań, Bydgoszcz, and Katowice. The collection runs until 4th March 2025, and organizers are calling on the public to contribute by donating new hygiene products. In Poznań, donations can be delivered to the collection point at Building E, Nowy Rynek, ul. Wierzbięcice 1A, operated in collaboration with companies VML and MVGM.
Community Support and Corporate Involvement
The success of Project Shoebox relies heavily on community and corporate support. This year, over 60 companies, organizations, and schools are conducting internal collections to contribute to the cause. This collective effort underscores the power of communal action in addressing social issues.
The Broader Context of Women’s Day in Poland
International Women’s Day in Poland, celebrated since the early 20th century, has evolved from its historical roots into a day that combines appreciation with advocacy for women’s rights. While traditional celebrations involve giving flowers and small gifts, there is a growing movement to use this day to highlight and address the systemic challenges women face, including economic disparities and social inequalities. Initiatives like Project Shoebox exemplify this shift towards meaningful action and support.
Understanding the Challenges
Women facing poverty, homelessness, or domestic violence often struggle to access basic hygiene products, which can lead to health issues and a diminished sense of self-worth. According to the Poverty Watch 2024 report, 2.5 million Poles live in extreme poverty, a 47% increase from the previous year. This stark statistic highlights the urgent need for initiatives like Project Shoebox.
Dignity is something many of us take for granted. For women in crisis, receiving these hygiene products can mean the difference between feeling invisible and feeling seen.
says Wioletta Bogusz from the Poznań-based organization Zupa na Głównym, which also supports the project.
How You Can Make a Difference
There are several ways to support Project Shoebox:
- Donate Products: Prepare a shoebox filled with new, unused hygiene products and deliver it to the designated collection point in your city.
- Financial Contributions: Monetary donations are used to purchase additional products and complete the boxes. Donations can be made online through the official fundraising page.
- Organize a Collection: Businesses, schools, and community groups can host internal collections to gather products collectively.
Beyond Donations: Supporting Women Year-Round
While Project Shoebox is a significant initiative, supporting women in need extends beyond this campaign. Here are additional ways to make a lasting impact:
- Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to local shelters and organizations that support women facing homelessness or domestic violence.
- Advocate: Raise awareness about issues affecting women in your community and support policies that promote gender equality and social support systems.
- Educate: Engage in conversations and educational programs that challenge stereotypes and promote understanding of the challenges women face.
Join the Movement
This International Women’s Day, consider extending your support to women who need it most. By participating in Project Shoebox or other local initiatives, you can help provide essential items and, more importantly, a message of hope and solidarity. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of women facing adversity.
