In lower-middle-income settings, align with several critical aspects that have multifaceted impacts on the lives of users :
Menstrual Health and Hygiene
Predicting menstrual cycles helps to plan and ensure the availability of necessary menstrual hygiene products. In lower-middle-income countries, access to these products can be limited, and timely reminders assist in securing and managing resources.
Reducing Stigma and Shame :
Discreet notifications through wearable devices reduce stigma associated with menstruation by providing non-intrusive reminders, allowing the young women informed in-time to prevent surprises and stains on their clothes which lead to stigma and shame.
Education :
Adolescent girls in these settings often miss school due to menstruation. Timely reminders facilitate better planning, minimizing absenteeism, and allowing girls to participate fully in educational activities.
Financial Planning and Affordability :
Predictability of menstrual cycles allows for better financial planning around purchasing menstrual products, thereby reducing economic strain.
Circle of Care :
Parental Involvement
Involving parents provides an opportunity for them to understand and support their child’s menstrual health needs. It empowers parents to have open discussions and be actively involved in ensuring their child’s comfort and well-being.Parents play a significant role in providing emotional support and guidance during this phase. Involving them in the circle of care enhances the overall support system for the young girl.
Teacher Engagement
Teachers being part of the circle of care allows them to understand and accommodate the needs of students during their menstrual cycles. This inclusion will facilitate better attendance and performance of students in academic settings by providing resources such as pain killers among others to contribute to creating supportive and inclusive classroom environments, reducing stigma.
Impact of the Circle of Care
Holistic Support and Understanding
Involvement of parents, teachers, and stakeholders creates a holistic support system. It ensures that the user receives physical and emotional support during their menstrual cycles and encourages the normalization of discussions around menstrual health, not just within families but also in educational settings, leading to a more informed and supportive environment for young girls.
Reducing Absenteeism and Discomfort
Teachers understanding and supporting menstrual health needs lead to reduced absenteeism among students, especially adolescent girls, ensuring uninterrupted education. Creating an environment where the user feels supported and accommodated reduces discomfort and anxiety associated with menstrual cycles.
Long-term Empowerment and Inclusivity
Involving the circle of care in discussions about menstrual health empowers the young girl and promotes informed decision-making about their health.
Shifting Social Norms
Normalizing discussions around menstrual health with teachers and parents can influence broader societal norms, leading to a more inclusive and informed community approach to menstrual health.
Special appreciation to Derick Omari (from the global disability innovation HUB and TechEra) and Benedicta oyedayo (from the global network of young persons with disabilities), both experts on product development who played a key role in helping vessels for development in defining a good Minimum viable product (MVP).
