Bumi, Giving Women Hope

Bumi stands for "Better Understanding Menstrual Infections". The Project is designed to improve on menstrual hygiene which has been identified as the underlying cause of 62% gynecological diseases and consequently 36.8% domestic violence in women and girls. This will be achieved by unlocking the potential of the anion sanitary technology pads as both preventative and curative against menstrual infections and discomforts. The anion sanitary technology is disruptive in nature as in design, material used and production process and conforms to the supposed natural response to the menstrual process without injuring women's health and well-being preventing the growth of 62% gynecological diseases/Urogenital infections. Fortified with special food grade materials or nutrients turns a pain killer also against period pains a common cause of reduced productivity in women and girls.Women's biological make up is the same, this solution promoted globally will help grow a healthier generation of women and girls.

Our specific problem in the project is POOR MENSTRUAL HYGIENE in women and girls. According to the Zambia Menstrual hygiene guideline handbook(P19), common pads on the Zambian market are unhygienic meaning they have ability to transmit bacteria. The cause i discovered was a malfunction in the common pads in terms of design, material used and production process which was contributing to growing 62% gynecological diseases(WHO) and consequently cause of 36.8% domestic violence cases(ZDHSR 2013-2014 p285-286). Common sanitary pads' design is a complete plastic seal on the bottom layer blocking air circulation during menstruation helping to create an environment conducive for infections to grow and these are often suspected sexually suspected infections. The chemical adhesion and recycled absorptive material often containing chemical compounds in common pads turns out carcinogenic when absorbed in the body from the pads contributing to cervical erosion. In 2008 in Zambia,  1,300 deaths were recorded from 2000 cervical cancer diagnosis(UTH Report), and in 2018 the Zambia Cervical cancer registry reported 1,839 deaths of the 3000 diagnosis and the trend continues to grow unless intervened by this disruptive technology. Menstrual hygiene day celebrated globally every year on 28th May attests to alluded to concerns.

Bumi anion sanitary pads has microscopic pore on the underlying layer for air circulation to prevent creating on a woman/girls' genitals an environment conducive for infections to grow. The product's adhesion is made of bubble gum glue which does not irritate women's skin to cause itchiness during and after menstruation. The product's absorptive material is made of corn gel than recycled paper with ability to absorb up to 40mls of flow without a back flow keeping the genital area dry and clean.Corn gel is a carbohydrate and does not affect the body even when it is absorbed by the cells after it wets during menstruation but helps to grow the health flora. The pad's special technology is NANO and manufacturing technologies which harvests natural molecules which are fortified on a pad to help enhance alkalinity to prevent infections during menstruation and the concentration turns medicine against  urogenital infections that could have manifested. It replaces synthetic magnetism with pure food grade materials which combination with the anions makes a natural IRIDESCENT compound which provides holistic benefit to women's hygiene and discomforts like period pains responsible for women's low productivity. Better because its digestible as food than synthetic magnetism on similar technologies.

The project's clients are mainly women and girls for improved menstrual hygiene and helping to reduce period pains identified to reduce class attendance in school going and high productivity in professional women who when in pain every month struggle to manage this discomfort. The product helping with the pain during menstruation will enable increased class hours for the school going and reduce 34.3% absenteeism and increase productive hours for professional women who will no longer struggle to manage the pain and other common menstrual discomforts. Men as common perpetrators of domestic violence from this dimension are educated to support the women and girls prevent the 62% gynecological diseases grown during menstruation often suspected as sexually transmitted when it was just that the victim was using a wrong sanitary technology and grew the infections. Currently resources available have obtained authority from ministry of general education to go round all schools to educate on the concerns raised and the benefit of the product, engaging companies and public to educated both male and female for knowledge empowerment so that women adopt the technology and the men will support the female family members and acquire knowledge to avoid violence from this dimension.

The 2013-2014 Zambian demographic health report(P285-286) on average reported 36.8% women between 15-49 years still menstruating age victims of domestic violence from suspected sexually transmitted infections which are menstrual grown. Many Zambian women and girls have no access to hygienic sanitary pads let alone the correct sanitary technology and resort to any product available to hold their flow like cloth, news papers and substandard pads which has potential to risk their health because common of these products are unhygienic(Zambia Menstrual hygiene guidelines handbook,P19). Bumi's advanced brand is both preventative and curative on infections removing cause for suspicion for domestic violence.

In Zambia i have two competitors of the same anion sanitary technology pads namely LONGRICH and GREENLEAF international. Two features are different between Bumi brand and theirs and these are, the two use  synthetic magnetism fortified on a pad which over time has ability to cause an imbalance in the body's bio-magnetism as it is induced and not produced by the body. This is how the product fails on advanced fungal and yeast infections which are able to flourish and thrive in it.Bumi brand has replaced "magnetism" with MINT which is a know anti-oxidant as a natural plant material enhancing high alkalinity on the woman/girls genitals during menstruation to prevent growth of infections and help grow the health flora as a food grade material digestible becoming part of the cells. MINT also helps produce two enzymes help full to cells against mutation and is a painkiller against period pains. Other than use plant barks gel as an absorbent like in the other two competitors, Bumi brand uses CORN gel known as maize in Zambia and this is a carbohydrate commonly known and used as a food than the unknown tree barks used in the other products argued by other experts that it may be carcinogenic. The combination of mint, algae,corn gel and negative ions(Anions) creates a natural iridescent compound or chemo-prevention compound feeding the body to help produce its own natural bio-magnetism than induced magnetism. Relating the solution to solving 36.8% domestic violence cases is another advantage of Bumi solution.

Our solution is powered by the NANO TECHNOLOGY which is the science of small since anions exist at the nano scale. The science is practical application of scientific knowledge in industry defining science as nature study or the means of obtaining masterly over nature by understanding it. Anion through nano technology are harvested and packaged food grade materials at molecular level for consumption by humans from a concentration studied is what the body needs to survive naturally.With reference to the 2014 United Nations general assembly resolve for YOGA as a means of solving problematic health challenges of the 21st century celebrated globally on 21st June of each year. Anions in Bumi brand is yoga in technology. Working at molecular level is very effective against about 99.9% germs according to different experts and from our experience as a project. The other food grade materials (Mint and Algae) are also extracted at molecular level similar to negative ions using also NANO TECHNOLOGY. Nano technology has been identified as the technology of future medicine taking leverage in our project natural products other than synthetic products in response to SDG 9-innovation(new products, new ideas) and SDG 3-wellbeing( actions individuals take and products they use to prevent the development of diseases).

Sceince: Power of Nagative ions-Restorative medicine of nature.Two technologies powers the solution namely NANO and ANION technology for natural molecules. Nano technology being the science of small molecules and anions(Negative ions) being natural molecules at nano scale. Pregnant women are often victims of these urogenital infections and pregnancy induced Bp and diabetes which the technology prevents including excessive bleeding during pregnancy from its ability of anions regulating the flow of blood. Anions helps produce antibodies which can penetrate the placenta to go and protect the unborn babies from being born with deformities like sickle cells etc.

Investigating on gynecological diseases as a cause of domestic violence cases, we identified three things that are wrong with common pads on the Zambian market and these are product design, material used and production process. According to Professor Jua-an of Winalite " of the 84% women victims of gynecological dysfunctions, about 62% they were grown during menstruation because common sanitary pads on the market were substandard" and a number of them can be picked from unhygienic toilets including pit latrines. This is how bumi pads stands out because of its special design. Unlike common ones, the pad is air permeable to allow air circulation during menstruation. This is important because it protects the cells at cervix turning aerobic from being starved with oxygen. This also prevents growing an environment on the genitals conducive for germs to grow for lack of ventilation resulting to Urogenital infections suspected as sexually suspected infections and cause of domestic violence. The adhesion of Bumi pads on the underlying layer is made of bubble gum glue than chemical glue which maybe carcinogenic and helps to mutate the cells when absorbed in the body. The absorptive material for Bumi pads is corn gel than recycled paper material that can contain chemicals that are carcinogenic. Fortified with natural food grade materials(MINT,ALGAE and ANIONS) than synthetic magnetism as a pain killer against period pains and very helpful in pregnant women against urogenital during pregnancy and preventing pregnancy induced Bp and daibets including preventing excessive bleeding during pregnancy from its ability to regulate the flow of blood.We have partnered with ministry of education which has already given authority to go round schools in Zambia resources available, Ministry of Health presentation already done(Contact persons Dr Macha of the University Teaching Hospital in lusaka +260966916422senior gynecologist, Dr Ncheengamwe +260979987801 Solwezi Provincial health office clinical care specialist) and other NGOs and NGOCC contacts +260977440395 for their women network to reach out to the victims to empower them with knowledge for reflection and action and also engage them for using the solution as an income generating venture.

Currently serving about 1,000 women alternate consumers. In one year our projection is to reach the 460,000 women both low and middle income earners with knowledge and the product. In Five years we hope to reach about 5,000,000 women as consumers monthly alternate consumers.This project is from the current trends we are benefiting clients from referrals which is possible to go beyond this figure if authorities in the other countries of interest authorize the technology

In the next five years our goal is to start producing or packaging the products here in Zambia to reduce on the product cost. We will continue pursuing for opportunities especially equity partnerships on technology to produce the product locally whose cost as an individual local company we can not manage. What we have managed so far is to have a brand name of what we feel is the correct technology embracing all natural material from our experience and investigation of the available anions pads on the market.

In the first year to the second our goal is to market the product and technology from the concept of CONSCIENTIZATION meaning, exploring reality of what we have identified as correct technology compared with others to evoke the praxis of education "Reflection and Action" or some times what we call "Practical demonstration of the problem and solution". Most identified victims are not yet aware of the situation and is reason we will dedicate the first two years in education of different interest groups.

All legal, technical and cultural concerns have been managed because the company and product is registered in Zambia. The only constraint barrier still existing is  financial resources to grow it into a business through marketing in the first year and start a plant in the next five years. Finances are also required to make available the product which the company doesn't have but depending the Director's personal resources to keep the project afloat. Transport and communication is another barrier especially for those not reachable on both print, electronic and social media. COVI-19 restriction for gatherings is another barrier.

We will continue to explore opportunities such as this forum to raise some  funds for marketing to reach the market and add value for other future partnerships like equity partnership looking at the resources involved to start a plant in Zambia. We shall continue one-one campaigns where possible to areas we can reach with means available. Have also invested in the "NEEW(New Economic Evolution of the World) Program"for future financial sustenance.NEEW Presentation-Leon Ferreira

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Full time staff are Five(05). Part-time staff are the agents that either buy the product on wholesale for resale or pick products from the shop for retail at a commission.. Those for orders come as and when they are able to order, these are three(03) so far that are consistent. Those that pick to sell on a commission are three(03) so far that have been trusted. Contractors as chemistry or shop owners putting products on their shelves to sell on commission are six(06).

Our focus is more on the cause than profits, our project is more a mission business and requires people that are able to persevere with no benefits but satisfied with results of the solution on the beneficiaries. As CEO and founder of the solution am a police officer with 22 years of experience fighting and investigating domestic violence cases and the solution is my experience. Am trained as field safety health and welfare officer and also in gender perspectives, restoring order after hostilities and preventing violence against women and girls which requires designing strategies and providing tools to victims to deal with the challenges they are going through empowered with knowledge and using products available to them as in BUMI pads.The other director is a woman and house wife talking from her experience on menstrual hygiene challenges and the Bumi anion pads technology efficacy. The third director is a youth and a mechanic who understands systems of machines relating to the human machine, his experience with fellow female students when he was in college has motivated him to partner in the project to effect change in the youths both male and female. For the female youths reaching out to them with this solution now against menstrual discomforts helping them understand how the technology provides correct response to menstrual process without injuring their health and male youths how to understand what women and girls go through if not supported with correct products during menstruation for future stable relationships in this dimension.

NGOs. We donate pads for vulnerable groups. We donate sanitary pads to schools for emergency needs for female students in case periods start for the first time while at school they can provide them pads. The schools also organize and invite the project for presentations not only to students/pupils but also to members of staff both male and female. We have bee authorized by ministry of education to go round country wide resources available to educate on correct response to menstrual hygiene to prevent infections and the efficacy of the Bumi anion sanitary technology as both preventative and curative against these infections(Contacts +26077629009 Mr Lulu, +260977966278). We have collaborated with ministry of health where we have been invited to make presentations to members of staff and students in hospitals and colleges(Dr Marcha +260 966 916 422,+260 977 800 843 a gynecologist at university teaching hospital hosted us. Dr Ncheengamwe +26097-9-987-801 the clinical care specialist at provincial health office organised meeting at solwezi general hospital). Women church groups like the catholic league and seventh-day adventist church dorcas mothers and others have invited the project for presentations to empower the women with this knowledge and product benefits.

Our business model is providing Bumi anion sanitary pads on sale at a profit at reduced price of 50% of the competitors for affordability. The project also donates  some products especially the less privileged through some NGOs and other groupings as part of it's community social responsibility. We have partnered with individuals both male and female who have no capital to buy the products on wholesale for resale but believe in the cause who have been allowed to pick products from the shop for sell at a commission as a means to empower them financially in response to SDG 1. We have also partnered with some shops and pharmacies to stock the products for easy access by the clients to reduce expenses sending the products from one central source. Following the trend of continued increase in cervical cancer cases and gynecological diseases in general every year, the product has been able to provide relief against these discomforts to those that have adopted use of the product looking at the record of return purchases and referrals for product use and benefits. The product helps in reduction of gynecological diseases by 62% and domestic violence cases by 36.8%. The first two years will be dedicated to education to both victims and perpetrators for the concept of "CONSCIENTIZATION" to create awareness and interest for the product the victims to fall on when these challenges arise in their lives. Minsitry of education has authorized presentations in schools to this effect.

Through sustained donations and grants where and when possible. This is better for us because the project requires patient or mission capital because of its nature requiring enough time to be accepted by the potential consumers who first need to understand the project rationale and product benefits different from what they have been using before. Selling products at profit margin is what is sustaining the business for now and still wish to continue even when it will be possible someday to get a grant or equity partnership because ultimately this is the goal for sustainability from savings. Raising investment capital is another option as equity partnership but as patient or mission fund because the business is such but with potential to be very viable over time after the message that drives the business is put across. Currently we are trying to diversify in agriculture businesses to try to support funds for the project and business.Invested in a program called "New Economic Evolution of the World" made of 20 investment portfolios for dividends when the investment matures possibly in the next five years for assured income flow to sustain the project.

Firstly is hoping to win the prize money to invest in the Bumi solution because the concerns are a need and issues of life and death.This will help reach out to all the potential victims not only with the product but importantly information. Secondly, to acquire technique support on running a successful business, in short looking for mentor-ship in my area of concern which is solving gynecological challenges by improved menstrual hygiene with the anion sanitary technology. Solve the financial dilemma on how to actualize the project both short term and long term. Application to SOLVE is also an opportunity to sensitize on the project concerns maybe the information shared could be useful to the solve team and members who may have means to invest in the concept and technology so it could help their community in case their situation is similar to the Zambian situation as in the development of gynecological diseases and cases of domestic violence from poor menstrual hygiene.

More of what i have is my investigation findings on the link between poor menstrual hygiene growing gynecological diseases that are cause about 36.8% domestic violence cases and how the Bumi anion sanitary pads is solution. My investigation findings also reveal synthetic materials (Magnetism) added on already available similar technologies on the market does not fare well with sub-saharan temperatures hence the Bumi we adopted but lack knowledge and skills to reach the market professionally.

Any with similar interests and concerns are welcome. Institutions of learning are a very key market, NGOs are a good source of market especially those in reproductive health and gender based violence in general. Looking also for those that can investment in the project to grow the business especially those that have patient fund because of the nature of the product and business. Institutions of learning since they have potential to document the results of the solution are also another network of importance in the solution also for information sharing to help effect change in society.

Their situation risks them for gynecological challenges and dysfunction. Using the right product will help them live health lives. Giving out start up packs to women refugees groups to sell to staff and those that can afford as an income generating venture.

Domestic violence is a human rights issue especially on the right to the correct information and reproductive health information. Women and girls are the common victims of gynecological diseases and domestic violence from poor menstrual hygiene as underlying cause. The prize will help us with resources to reach women in other areas we have not been able to reach constrained by travel expenses especially to go and educate because empowering them with knowledge on the link between poor menstrual hygiene growing 62% infections that cause about 36.8% domestic violence cases in communities is our main goal. When they have the information they make informed decisions to try the products to prove its effectiveness with the challenges they are going through and from their experience we grow the business. We wish to engage women groups to empower them with start up parts to turn the solution an income generator in their communities so that it is readily available with them in case of need. Already have done a presentation to AVEMA(Association of Vendors and Marketeers in Zambia) so we could engage with their members especially the women who stay long hours away from home during menstruation on how the product can protect them against their risk trading environment against Urogenital infections which can also be picked from unhygienic toilets commonly used and wearing pads for long hours trying to be economical.

Our product is both preventative and curative of gynecological challenges which affect both the general community and the industry. We will use the prize money to educate the workforce in different companies to reduce on domestic violence from this dimension from which the industry is common victim especially now that it is common for couples staying separate due to employment opportunities away from home.The 36.8% domestic violence contribution is also from industry where women left home are suspected promisciuos if and when found with these infections which are also menstrual and not sexually transmitted. From the same technology we wish to introduce a product(shoe pad) effective against athletes' foot common in the industry and another(anion strip) for hydrotherapy against environmental hazards(Chemicals, smoke and dust).

Our project is a one stone killing so many birds. It brings out some of the silent and hidden issues with regards reproductive health and especially gynecological diseases with which a number of women and girls agonize with, Bp and diabetes during pregnancy which is a common challenge in women. Most women and girls are victims of about 62% gynecological just from use of sanitary pads of wrong technology contributing about 36.8% domestic violence cases. We educate on how the same technology is solution against 34.3% school absenteeism from school for the girl child.  With the experience of COVID-19 whose divastating effects is from underlying diseases. The project provides women live health lives in direct response to SDGs 3 and 9. Well-being is all about the actions people take and products they will to prevent the development of diseases while innovation is new ideas and new products.