Cameroon - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

EmaliCares is a pioneering initiative dedicated to championing menstrual equity and inclusivity in the workplace and beyond. Through innovative distribution solutions, educational empowerment, and community outreach.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

EmaliCares aims at providing comfort and quality to all women, ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against period poverty. Our program extends beyond workplaces to include vital spaces such as airports, schools, colleges, and more, aiming to break barriers and create a world where menstruation is met with dignity and support. At the forefront of our mission is the installation of cutting-edge sanitary ad distributors in these target spaces. These digital distributors not only provide essential menstrual products but also feature advertisement spaces, harnessing the power of marketing to further promote awareness and support for menstrual equity. In addition to our innovative digital distributors, we are proud to introduce our second product line: iron-made distributors designed to combat CO2 gas emissions and waste. Together, with your support, we can revolutionize perceptions, break taboos, and pave the way for a more equitable and empowered future.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The main problem EmaliCares aims to solve is period poverty and the lack of menstrual equity and inclusivity. Many individuals, especially those in marginalized communities, struggle to access affordable and hygienic menstrual products, leading to discomfort, embarrassment, and even health risks. Additionally, societal taboos surrounding menstruation often exacerbate these challenges, hindering open discussion and support for those in need. By providing innovative distribution solutions, educational empowerment, and community outreach, EmaliCares strives to ensure that all individuals have access to the resources and support they need during their menstrual cycles. We seek to break down barriers, normalize conversations around menstruation, and create a world where menstruation is met with dignity, support, and equitable access to essential products and services. A student, a worker, relying on distributors in school or in a company can always help to save money for another need.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

The sanitary pad distributors offered by EmaliCares come with a multitude of benefits and advantages: Sustainability: EmaliCares commitment to sustainability is reflected in the design of the distributors, bio sanitary bads and plastics which incorporates eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient features. This helps to reduce environmental impact and promote a greener world. Empowerment: Access to menstrual products empowers individuals to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence, enabling them to participate fully in various activities without disruptions or discomfort. Education: In addition to dispensing menstrual products, the distributors can also serve as platforms for educational content and resources related to menstrual health, further promoting awareness and understanding of menstrual hygiene practices. Privacy/Convenience: The discreet design of the distributors ensures privacy for individuals when accessing menstrual products.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Women and Girls: This includes individuals of menstruating age who face challenges accessing affordable and hygienic menstrual products. Travelers: People traveling through airports, train stations, and other transit hubs may encounter difficulties accessing menstrual products while on the go. Our distributors in these spaces aim to provide travelers with the convenience and peace of mind they need during their journeys. Community Organizations: We also aim to partner with community organizations and NGOs that work directly with vulnerable populations. Students: Our initiative recognizes the importance of addressing period poverty in educational settings. Students, particularly those in schools and colleges, may struggle to access menstrual products, leading to missed school days and academic challenges. Government

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-03-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Profile One: Skills in commercial, project management and networking. She is a journalist of profession. She has experience in interviewing and crafting relations with potential clients to help in the sales of a product. on the other hand handles PR. Profile Two: Executive assistant. she has excellent communication skills and people management skills. she handles meetings, logistiques and product orders.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

f) Healthcare (healthcare equipment and services)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Addressing Period Poverty: By providing access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products, We directly addresses a form of poverty known as "period poverty." By ensuring that individuals have access to these essential products, EmaliCares helps alleviate the financial burden associated with menstruation, thus contributing to poverty reduction efforts. Empowering Women and Girls: We focus on providing menstrual products and education specifically targets women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by period poverty. Community Outreach and Support: EmaliCares community outreach efforts extend beyond providing menstrual products to addressing the underlying causes of poverty. By partnering with community organizations and NGOs, EmaliCares connects individuals with additional resources and support services, such as education and employment opportunities. Sustainable Solutions: EmaliCares incorporates sustainability into its distributors via materials.(bio sanitary pads)

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Community Support and Resilience: EmaliCares' community outreach efforts extend beyond providing menstrual products to addressing the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to hunger. By partnering with community organizations and NGOs, EmaliCares connects individuals with additional support services, such as food assistance programs and nutrition education initiatives, strengthening community resilience and reducing the prevalence of hunger. Economic Empowerment: By providing access to affordable menstrual products, EmaliCares helps alleviate the financial burden on individuals and families, allowing them to allocate resources towards purchasing nutritious food. When households are not forced to choose between menstrual products and food, they are better equipped to meet their nutritional needs, reducing the risk of hunger and food insecurity.

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Health and Well-being: Menstrual hygiene is closely linked to overall health and well-being. By ensuring access to hygienic menstrual products, EmaliCares helps prevent infections and other health issues that could contribute to hunger and malnutrition. Healthy individuals are better able to work, learn, and participate in their communities, reducing the likelihood of hunger and food insecurity. Preventing Health Risks: Basic access to hygienic menstrual products is essential for preventing infections and other health risks associated with poor menstrual hygiene practices. By providing convenient access to these products, EmaliCares helps ensure that individuals can maintain good menstrual health, reducing the incidence of reproductive tract infections and related health complications. Reducing Stigma and Discrimination: We work to challenge social norms and eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with menstruation. On the otherhand, also associated with girlhood.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Reducing Absenteeism: In many communities, girls today miss school during their menstrual periods due to a lack of access to menstrual products and inadequate sanitation facilities. Improving Learning Outcomes: Menstrual health issues can impact girls' ability to concentrate and participate fully in classroom activities. By promoting menstrual hygiene awareness and providing access to menstrual products, EmaliCares supports girls' overall well-being and helps improve their learning outcomes. Empowering Girls: EmaliCares empowers girls by promoting menstrual hygiene education and destigmatizing menstruation. By providing accurate information about menstrual health and encouraging open dialogue, EmaliCares helps girls develop confidence in managing their periods and advocating for their own health needs.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

My startup contributes to this goal through breaking Down Taboos and Stigma we work to break down taboos and stigma surrounding menstruation, which often perpetuate gender inequality. This also creates open dialogue. Through women empowerment by encouraging women to participate in societal activities without being held by menstruation. Advocating women's right bu enhancing social justice, gender equality and welfare. Lastly promoting inclusive policies by encouraging menstrual-friendly policies, this promotes respect and dignity of individuals without discrimination. This also help girls to be fully dedicated to their education and give the best of themselves.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

We aim to promote good sanitation facilities: In the time, we aim to install our distributors where water facilities can be limited. To help safe and clean sanitary pad change. his contributes to the overall goal of improving sanitation and hygiene practices, which is essential for ensuring clean water and sanitation for all. Sustainable Solutions: We hope to incorporates sustainability into our initiatives by promoting the use of eco-friendly materials in its distribution solutions and encouraging responsible menstrual waste management practices. By reducing waste and environmental impact. Preventing contamination through proper disposal of wasted sanitary pads. We ensure that the pads in companys are disposed in our dustbins and program weekly pick up of wates in our client's companies. Through community engagement, we hope to gain financial support from stakeholders to organize clean days and address broaderareas that affect menstrual pad disposition and their environmental impact.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

EmaliCares utilizes energy-efficient technologies in its distribution solutions, such as digital sanitary pad distributors with independent batteries. By prioritizing energy efficiency, EmaliCares reduces its energy consumption and environmental impact, This contributes to the overall goal of clean energy solutions. Also by reducing waste and environmental impact, EmaliCares supports sustainable energy practices that minimize resource consumption and pollution.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

We create job opportunities through our operations, such as manufacturing, distribution, and maintenance of sanitary pad distributors. These employment opportunities contribute to decent work by providing individuals with stable and fulfilling jobs, thereby supporting their economic well-being. On the otherhand, access to affordable menstrual products enables women to attend school and work regularly, reducing absenteeism and improving productivity. This contributes to women's economic empowerment and enhances overall economic growth. In addition, we intend to offer training programs on menstrual hygiene management, entrepreneurship, and other relevant topics, equiping individuals with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce and contribute to economic growth. Entrepreneurship promotion by empowering women to become efficient service providers and distributors and also promoting inclusive economic growth

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

It is important to note that we work to scale up infrastructure for menstrual equity by expanding the deployment of sanitary pad distributors in various settings. Increasing access to essential products and promoting inclusive infrastructure, we support the achievement of SDG targets related to universal access to sanitation and hygiene services. Partnerships for innovation helps us to foster partnerships for research, development, and implementation of innovative solutionsThis helps in advanment for menstrual hygiene management We provide innovative distribution solutions. Our distributors have a digital display and autonomous batteries. These solutions leverage technology to provide convenient access to essential products in various settings, including workplaces, schools, and public spaces.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Our product directly addresses gender inequality. By ensuring access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products, she empowers women and girls to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence, thereby reducing gender disparities in health. EmaliCares works to break down taboos and social stigma surrounding menstruation, which can contribute to inequalities in access to menstrual products and reproductive health services. By fostering open dialogue and promoting acceptance and understanding, EmaliCares helps create a more inclusive society where individuals of all genders feel valued and respected aching marginalized communities, including low-income individuals and home less populations and those living in rural or remote areas. By providing access to menstrual products and reproductive health education in these communities Lastly promoting economic inclusion and breaking down social stigma this helps in reducing enequalities in our society

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Accessible Infrastructure: EmaliCares installs sanitary pad distributors in various urban and community settings, including workplaces, schools, airports, and public spaces. By providing convenient access to menstrual products, EmaliCares ensures that individuals in urban areas have access to essential resources for managing their menstrual health. Promoting Health and Well-being: Access to hygienic menstrual products is essential for maintaining health and well-being, particularly in urban areas where sanitation infrastructure may be limited. By providing access to menstrual products and promoting menstrual hygiene education, EmaliCares supports the health and well-being of individuals living in cities and communities. Reducing Waste and Environmental Impact: EmaliCares incorporates sustainability into its initiatives by promoting the use of eco-friendly materials in its distribution solutions and encouraging responsible waste management practices.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Even if emali does not produce menstrual cups, we promote reusable menstrual options to encourage responsible consumption practices that minimize waste and reduce the environmental footprint of menstrual hygiene management. We also educate about product life cycle to encourge responsible consumption By utilizing locally-sourced iron for its second-line products, EmaliCares promotes responsible production practices and supports local economies. This approach reduces the environmental impact associated with transportation and supports sustainable livelihoods within the community Iron which is used for ur second line product, is also easily recyclable and durable, thus maximizing life span This is also important since it promotes circular economy Local production also increases economic growth and partnerships with artisans.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

We prioritize sustainable materials and practices in its operations, such as using locally-sourced iron for its products. By reducing reliance on imported materials and minimizing transportation emissions, EmaliCares lowers its carbon footprint and supports climate action efforts. By using biodegradable pads, this helps to reduce the environmental impact of menstrual waste, including plastic pollution and landfill emissions. EmaliCares's Community engagement in pushing individuals to consume responsibly and educate towards waste management, helps each and every one to gain intesrest in environmental protection and climate actions

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

EmaliCares, provides biodegradable plastic, sanitary pants and dustbins to dispose of used menstrual pads. this strongly contributes to waste management and reduction of water pollution. Even if we don't intend to sell them from the start, we promote sanitary cups, that are washable and resuable . This reduces amount of plastic waste entering water bodies and marine environments. Also preventing chemical production with the use of reusable material and production of local made iron distributors. In the nearest future, we intend to partner with NGO or Waste management entities to fight againt waste pollution and mismanagemet.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Promoting Sustainable Material Choices: EmaliCares can prioritize the use of sustainable and biodegradable materials in its products and packaging to reduce its impact on terrestrial ecosystems. Choosing eco-friendly materials such as recycled paper or compostable plastics for packaging can help minimize deforestation and reduce waste accumulation on land upporting Local Communities: EmaliCares can engage with local communities to understand their environmental concerns and support initiatives that promote sustainable land management practices.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

EmaliCares works to break down taboos and social stigma surrounding menstruation, which can contribute to discrimination and marginalization. By promoting acceptance, understanding, and respect for all individuals, EmaliCares helps create a more inclusive and just society where everyone can live with dignity and equalit maliCares engages with communities to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and gender equality. By fostering dialogue, participation, and collaboration, EmaliCares strengthens social cohesion and promotes peaceful coexistence within communities. maliCares' focus on menstrual equity and inclusivity supports the goal of gender equality, which is essential for achieving peace and justice. By empowering women and girls through access to menstrual products and education Building Strong Institutions: EmaliCares collaborates with institutions, organizations, and stakeholders to strengthen systems and structures that support menstrual equity and inclusi

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Partnering with government agencies at local, national, and international levels can help EmaliCares access funding, policy support, and infrastructure for its initiatives. By aligning with government priorities and programs, EmaliCares can amplify its efforts anAcademic Institutions: Partnering with academic institutions allows EmaliCares to access research, data, and insights that inform its programs and initiatives. d create systemic change. Partnering with international agencies and multilateral organizations, such as the United Nations and its specialized agencies, provides EmaliCares with opportunities for advocacy, knowledge sharing, and collaboration on global initiatives. collaborating with corporate partners can provide visibility and credibility for other corporate groups.

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

6

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

3

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.08 Justification

Sanitary Pad distributors are not used in workplaces, schools, airports and other public places in Cameroon. The product is not a new technology, since we all know food, drinks and make up distributors or/Vending machines. The need for women to have sanitary pads available in commercial mall toilets, workplaces, schools has not yet been satisfied. Since after visiting 40 companies in douala, none of them make their employees benefit of sanitary pads. Therefore it is a real question that has to be addressed.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

My main competitors are NGO's, Commercial Femnine Hygiene brands, Government initiative programs and local community organizations. I stand out from them since our distributors are digital, inovative and we also propose monthly subscription for sanitary pads. we advocate for gender equality and we are not only a profit organization. EmaliCares stand for environmental protection and education o waste management. All these sttributes makes us stand unique as we strive for a long term impact.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

I support single mothers monthly in my area I also support the cleaning of public areas such as toilets for employees