Kenya - Business creation project

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

Mostly, when a lady needs a selfcare product e.g pads or wipes, she is in unconventional place she can't access or buy it instantly. Having vending machines in places like office buildings, clubs, eateries, stations, schools e.t.c seeks to bridge this gap

01.01 Décrivez votre projet en détail

Riding on proof of concepts for vending machines for various products such as milk and refreshments, we intend to leverage local manufacturing to assemble various sizes of computerized AI-enabled vending machines for assorted range of essential female self care products including complimentary male products at strategic areas of highest need. We will rely on the existing distribution networks to stock and replenish the machines, and with advanced data analytics involving AI and ML algorithms we will enhance data collection and processing capabilities to optimize product selection and placement. We will integrate various payment methods from cash to cashless models and develop a user companion that can be used at checkout. If proof of concept is successful, we intent to pull in funders like USAID, CIFF, FCDO, BMGF who are interested in selfcare projects around the world for subsidy grants, demand generation and scale.

01.02 Quel est le problème principal que vous essayez de résoudre ?

This project addresses inadequate access to essential self-care products for women and girls in Kenya, particularly in unconventional settings where need is the high. This is due to: 1. Limited retail services due to adequate retail stores, making it difficult for women to purchase self-care products (MoH Kenya, 2019). 2. Affordability: A 2016 study found that 65% of women and girls in Kenya could not afford sanitary pads (The Standard, 2016). 3. Cultural barriers and stigma due lack of privacy, agency and control of their selfcare needs (MoH Kenya, 2019). This lack of access has significant consequences for women's health especially hygiene, education, and overall well-being. It often leads to stigma and missed school days, workdays, and social activities, perpetuating inequalities and hindering progress towards gender equality and sustainable development. The project responds to the growing demand for feminine selfcare products, a USD 40.4 billion global market (Statista, 2021).

01.03 Dites-nous quels sont les principaux avantages et/ou bénéfices de l'utilisation du produit/service que vous souhaitez fournir par votre projet (au moins 3).

Increased Accessibility: The vending machines provide 24/7 access to essential self-care products in unconventional locations, overcoming locational and time constraints faced by women in rural and urban areas. This accessibility is crucial for menstrual hygiene management for example, safe sex, rejuvenation, and other reproductive needs including family planning. Affordability and Convenience: These machines offer products at competitive prices, making them more affordable for a wider range of consumers. The convenience of cashless payments through mobile money platforms like M-Pesa further enhances accessibility, especially in areas with limited banking infrastructure. Privacy and Discretion: Vending machines provide a discreet way to purchase self-care products, addressing cultural sensitivities and stigma surrounding menstruation. This empowers women and girls to manage their hygiene needs with confidence and dignity.

01.04 Veuillez décrire précisément à qui s'adressera le produit/service de votre projet. Quels sont les bénéficiaires visés ?

The solar-powered self-care vending machine project primarily targets Kenyan women and girls facing barriers to essential hygiene products, including: Schoolgirls: Providing easy access to products within school premises can reduce absenteeism due to menstruation, aligning with SDG 4: Quality Education. Working Women: Vending machines in workplaces ensure convenient access during work hours, contributing to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Women in Rural Areas: Placing vending machines in rural areas improves access for women in remote locations, aligning with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. Marginalized Communities: Affordable and discreet access benefits women facing financial constraints or cultural stigma, contributing to SDG 5: Gender Equality. Male complementary products like shaving creams, condoms, leading deodorant brands e.t.c can be sold together with women products as part of this agenda. The machine will contain almost 90% female products though.

01.05 Quand avez-vous commencé à travailler sur votre projet ?

28/05/2023

01.06 Combien y a-t-il de propriétaires sur votre projet en plus de vous ?

1

01.07 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

1

01.08 Veuillez décrire le profil des autres propriétaires de votre projet (compétences, expérience, etc.).

Soudie Okwaro (Lead Innovator)- is a Data Science professional with over a decade of experience implementing donor projects targeting girls, adolescents and women across the world. With experience from over 25 countries spread across different continents, Soudie brings a practical "innovation-for-use-case" approach to solving several challenges faced by girls, adolescents and women globally. He led the development of a health solution (MPDSR Tracker) adopted by WHO, now distributed globally. He runs other 3 business, also startups. Susan Sindani (Co-innovator)- is an award winning youth trailblazer (ICFP 2022), enthusiastic about gender equality, climate change and health advocacy. She currently leads a coalition in East Africa campaigning for Population Health environment and Education (PHED BUILD). She's a 4-star communication and journalism professional with a bias in gender and development work.

01.09 Si vous avez un site web, une page sur les médias sociaux (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin...) ou une application, veuillez fournir le(s) lien(s) ici :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/soudie-okwaro/

01.10 Quel est le secteur d'activité qui décrit le mieux votre projet ?

d) Produits de base (aliments, boissons, produits ménagers et personnels)

02.01.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Pas de pauvreté'

2

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

-

02.02.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Faim Zéro'

2

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

-

02.03.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Bonne Santé et Bien Être'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

By providing accessible and affordable self-care products for both women and men in underserved areas of Kenya. The vending machines will offer a wide range of products, including menstrual hygiene items, contraceptives, basic first-aid supplies, personal hygiene products, and healthy snacks. For women, this means consistent access to menstrual hygiene essentials, reducing the risk of infections and promoting better health outcomes (Ministry of Health Kenya, 2019). Access to contraceptives empowers informed choices about reproductive health (The Standard, 2016). For men, the inclusion of condoms and other sexual health products promotes safe practices and responsible family planning. Additionally, the availability of first-aid and hygiene products caters to their general health needs. The products will be varied depending on the demand.

02.04.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Éducaiton de Qualité'

3

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

When school going females are involved, our project has the potential of making learners enjoy the benefits brought by this project e.g school retention, reduced stigma , ultimately leading to quality education

02.05.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Égalité entre les Sexes'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

By empowering women and girls through improved access to essential self-care products. In Kenya, cultural taboos and financial constraints often limit women's access to these products, impacting their health, education, and overall well-being. The vending machines strategically placed in schools, workplaces, and rural areas will provide discreet and affordable access to menstrual hygiene products, contraceptives, and other essential selfcare items. This empowers women to manage their menstrual health, make informed decisions about their reproductive health, and participate fully in education and work. In addressing the specific needs of women and girls, this project challenges the societal norms and stigma surrounding menstruation, promoting gender equality and empowering women to take control of their health and well-being. This increased agency contributes to greater participation in decision-making and economic activities, ultimately fostering a more equitable society.

02.06.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Eau Propre et Assainissement'

3

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Most selfcare products contribute to personal hygiene and sanitation

02.07.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Énergie Propre et Abordable'

3

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

The solar part would speak to clean energy

02.08.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Travail Décent et Croissance Économique'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

By creating employment opportunities and safe spaces for women. The development, installation, and maintenance of solar-powered vending machines require skilled labor, creating jobs for technicians, engineers, and other professionals. Additionally, the project opens up opportunities for local entrepreneurs to become franchise owners or distributors of the vending machines and the self-care products they offer. This creates a ripple effect of economic activity, stimulating local economies and contributing to overall economic growth. Furthermore, by providing women with easy access to essential self-care products, the project enhances their ability to participate fully in the workforce. Improved menstrual hygiene management, for instance, reduces absenteeism and increases productivity, benefiting both individual women and the businesses they work for. This project not only creates direct employment opportunities but also empowers women.

02.09.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Industrie, Innovaiton et Infrastructure'

3

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

This is an innovative idea to begin with.

02.10.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Réduction des Inégalités'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

By making essential self-care products accessible and affordable to all women and girls in Kenya, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location and strategically placing solar-powered vending machines in underserved areas, this project contributes to reducing inequalities in several ways: Health Equity: It promotes equal access to healthcare by ensuring that essential self-care products are readily available to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location. Educational Equity: Improved access to menstrual hygiene products reduces absenteeism among schoolgirls, ensuring equal educational opportunities for all. Economic Equity: By empowering women and girls with the tools they need to manage their health and well-being, the project enables them to participate fully in the workforce and contribute to economic growth, thus reducing economic disparities.

02.11.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Villes et Communautés Durables'

2

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

-

02.12.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Consommation et Production Responsable'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

By promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste associated with self-care products. The solar-powered vending machines are designed to be energy-efficient, utilizing renewable energy sources to minimize their environmental impact. Furthermore, the project will encourage responsible consumption by providing access to reusable menstrual products like menstrual cups and cloth pads, which can significantly reduce waste compared to disposable options. This aligns with the SDG 12 target of substantially reducing waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse. By promoting sustainable alternatives and reducing the environmental footprint of self-care product consumption, this project contributes to a circular economy and a more sustainable future for Kenya. It also raises awareness about responsible consumption practices among consumers, encouraging them to make more environmentally conscious choices.

02.13.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Luttle contre les Changements Climatiques'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

By utilizing solar-powered vending machines for self-care products. In Kenya, energy access and climate change are significant challenges. The project reduces reliance on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation. Solar-powered vending machines lower the carbon footprint associated with product production and distribution, aligning with SDG 13's goal of strengthening resilience to climate-related hazards. Equipped with sensors and data collection capabilities, the vending machines monitor energy consumption and optimize efficiency, further reducing their environmental impact. This data can assess the overall carbon footprint reduction, providing insights for future sustainability initiatives. By integrating green energy solutions, this project improves access to self-care products while demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.

02.14.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Sous-Marine'

2

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

-

02.15.01 Mon projetp contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Terrestre'

2

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

-

02.16.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Paix, Justice et Institutions Efficaces'

2

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

-

02.17.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Parteneriats pour la Réalisation des Objectifs'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

We are looking forward to expanding our partnerships in various areas of synergy as per this SDG mapping across the globe as this idea expands into markets within and beyond Kenya

05.01 Il existe un grand nombre de clients qui utilisent déjà un produit/service très similaire à celui que nous envisageons de créer.

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.02 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer représente un type de produit/service entièrement nouveau

4

05.03 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer pourrait être décrit comme une nouvelle technologie

4

05.04 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer est une amélioration d'un produit ou d'un service existant

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.05 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer pourrait être décrit comme une extension d'une gamme de produits ou de services

4

05.06 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer répond à une demande ou à un besoin qui n'a pas été satisfait par d'autres produits/services.

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.07 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer est une nouvelle version d'un ancien produit/service

1 - Pas du tout d'accord

05.08 Justification de mon projet

This idea rides on proven concept for instance, milk ATMs to make a product to address the access, affordability and use of selfcare products among girls and Women in Kenya and beyond. There are components of this dispenser that we will create from scratch hence will be new in that respect

05.09 Qui sont vos principaux potentiels concurrents et qu'est-ce qui vous différencie d'eux ?

Our main competitors include traditional retail stores, existing vending machine operators, and NGOs/government initiatives. Retail stores may be inaccessible or expensive, while current vending machines lack the focus on self-care and sustainability that we offer. NGOs and government initiatives, though addressing menstrual health, might not have as widespread or sustainable a distribution model as our solar-powered vending machines. Our project stands out through several key differentiators: Accessibility: We prioritize underserved areas with limited retail options, ensuring essential self-care products are readily available where they're needed most at competitive prices paid flexibly. Sustainability: Solar power reduces environmental impact and ensures operation even in areas with unreliable electricity grids. Data-Driven Approach: We utilize data to optimize product selection and placement, ensuring our vending machines effectively meet the specific needs of each community.

10.06 Menez-vous des actions au sein de votre communauté pour promouvoir le rôle des femmes entrepreneurs ?

Our project actively promotes female entrepreneurship by: Partnering with women-owned businesses: We prioritize sourcing products and vending machine operations from women-owned businesses, creating economic opportunities for women. Skill Development: We offer training and mentorship programs to empower women with the technical and entrepreneurial skills needed to manage and maintain the vending machines. Leadership Opportunities: We actively seek and support female leaders to head local distribution networks and community engagement efforts, fostering female leadership in the self-care industry. Targeted Marketing: Our marketing highlights the stories and successes of women involved in the project, inspiring other women to become entrepreneurs. Community Engagement: We collaborate with local women's groups to raise awareness and build a supportive ecosystem for female entrepreneurship.