"Rise Up 4 Her

The challenge addressed by "Rise Up 4 Her" revolves around period poverty, a deeply concerning and widespread issue that affects girls and women, particularly in underserved communities. This issue encompasses a severe lack of access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities, waste management, and education. It is a crisis with profound global implications, impacting over half a billion women and girls worldwide.

The problem is acutely visible in places like Nairobi's slums, where girls grapple with the harsh reality of missing school during their menstrual cycles due to a lack of sanitary towels. This directly compromises their educational performance and, in the long run, their future prospects. While the context here is Kenya, the issue of period poverty transcends borders and affects millions globally.

In Kenya, the consequences of period poverty are stark. More than 1.2 million primary school-age children are unable to attend school because they cannot afford sanitary products. This results in many young girls missing classes when they menstruate, with estimates indicating that 95% of menstruating girls in Kenya miss one to three school days during each menstrual cycle. More than half of them fall behind academically as a result. Those who are forced to drop out of school due to these challenges face a future with limited employment opportunities and diminished income potential, thereby perpetuating a cycle of poverty.

The problem is further compounded by the lack of access to safe menstrual materials, which poses health risks, potentially leading to infections and other health complications. To cope, girls often resort to improvised solutions, such as sharing used pads with classmates, which is not only unhygienic but also poses significant health risks. Sharing pads is particularly dangerous in communities with a higher prevalence of HIV, as seen in Nairobi's slums, where approximately 12% of the population is affected by the virus.

The consequences of period poverty are far-reaching and interconnected, influencing education, health, and overall well-being. It is increasingly clear that a comprehensive, holistic approach is needed to address this issue. Such an approach should encompass coordinated efforts aimed at eliminating period stigma, providing comprehensive menstrual hygiene education, expanding access to affordable and safe menstrual products, and ensuring the appropriate and functional sanitary infrastructure in schools, workplaces, and public places.

Furthermore, girls who attend school while menstruating often face profound challenges, including teasing and taunting from their male peers. This creates an environment that discourages their education and further erodes their self-esteem.

In summary, the problem of period poverty is a global crisis that affects millions of girls and women, both locally and internationally. It hinders their access to education, compromises their health, and perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality. "Rise Up 4 Her" seeks to address these complex issues by providing sustainable and high-quality menstrual products, education, and community support, ultimately empowering girls and women and contributing to a more equitable and just world.

Rise Up 4 Her is a comprehensive initiative dedicated to empowering girls and women by providing them with essential menstrual health support and education. It serves as a multifaceted solution to address the challenge of period poverty, ultimately enabling girls to manage their periods with dignity and comfort.

What does it do? Rise Up 4 Her undertakes three vital actions:

Distributes Sustainable Menstrual Products: One of its core functions is to ensure that girls have reliable access to high-quality menstrual products. This critical support eliminates the need for them to miss school or resort to unhygienic alternatives.

Provides Menstruation Education: It offers structured educational programs aimed at teaching girls about menstruation. It equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to confidently and safely manage their periods.

Promotes Transformative Messaging: Rise Up 4 Her actively works to change cultural attitudes surrounding menstruation. By breaking down the stigma that often holds girls back, it uplifts their self-esteem and encourages them to stay in school and pursue their goals.

How does it work and what technology does it use? Rise Up 4 Her operates through the establishment of networks and partnerships that facilitate the distribution of menstrual products and education. Notably, it leverages modern technology within Youth-Centered Hubs, which serve as one-stop centers for young people to access information and healthcare services. These hubs are equipped with advanced technology to support telehealth consultations and house information kiosks. Additionally, we conduct Social Media Campaigns to destigmatize menstruation, raise awareness about period poverty, and showcase the services offered. Engaging content fosters open conversations, encouraging girls to seek support. We also employ Data Collection and Analysis technology for real-time monitoring of the initiative's impact. This includes tracking the distribution of menstrual products, educational resource usage, and overall progress in reducing period poverty.

This innovative approach combines community engagement with the power of technology to ensure that girls have the tools they need to succeed in managing their menstrual health. By doing so, it effectively breaks down the barriers related to menstrual health and fosters a brighter future for all girls and women. Rise Up 4 Her is not just a solution; it is a comprehensive program that embraces technology and community collaboration to empower and uplift the lives of those it serves.

Target Population:

Our solution is dedicated to directly and meaningfully improving the lives of girls and women, particularly in underserved and marginalized communities, who bear the brunt of period poverty. These individuals face numerous challenges, including limited access to menstrual products, inadequate education about menstruation, and enduring societal stigmas that significantly impact their well-being and future prospects.

Underserved Communities: The communities we aim to serve encompass girls and women living in areas such as Nairobi's slums, where the absence of access to menstrual products and proper hygiene facilities is particularly pronounced. These underserved communities often lack the financial resources to obtain sanitary products, making it a daily struggle for girls to manage their periods with dignity and comfort. Additionally, educational resources and information about menstruation are frequently scarce, leading to widespread misconceptions and discomfort. The stifling stigmas around menstruation further exacerbate these challenges, eroding self-esteem and creating a discouraging environment that hinders girls from pursuing education and their aspirations.

How the Solution Addresses Their Needs:

Distribution of Menstrual Products: Rise Up 4 Her addresses a pressing need by ensuring that girls and women in these underserved communities have reliable access to sustainable, high-quality menstrual products. Statistics reveal that in Kenya, more than 1.2 million primary school-age children cannot attend school due to the inability to afford sanitary products. By providing access to these products, our solution empowers these girls to manage their menstrual health with confidence, eliminating the need to use unhygienic alternatives and enabling regular school attendance.

Provision of Menstruation Education: Our initiative offers structured educational programs designed to demystify menstruation and provide accurate information to girls and women. Reports indicate that approximately 95% of menstruating girls in Kenya miss one to three school days during each menstrual cycle, with over half falling behind academically as a result. By filling this educational gap surrounding menstruation, our solution empowers girls with the knowledge and skills they need to manage their periods safely, reducing absenteeism and educational disparities.

Promotion of Transformative Messaging: By actively working to change cultural attitudes towards menstruation and breaking down the associated stigma, Rise Up 4 Her directly impacts the lives of girls and women. Research shows that girls who attend school while menstruating often endure teasing and taunting, eroding their self-esteem. Our solution aims to transform these perceptions, empowering girls to stay in school and pursue their goals without feeling hindered by societal norms.

In summary, our solution is committed to serving girls and women in underserved communities who are disproportionately affected by period poverty. Rise Up 4 Her addresses their needs by providing access to menstrual products, education, and support, ultimately working to uplift their lives and empower them to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence. The statistics paint a clear picture of the challenges these individuals face, underscoring the urgency and significance of our solution.

Thanks to our Team Lead's personal experience with the consequences of period poverty, our team has a deep awareness of the requirements of the target demographic, which puts us in a unique position to offer Rise Up 4 Her. We all share a strong commitment to actively participating in the areas we hope to serve, starting with our team lead.

Community Engagement: Having personally experienced the severe consequences of prolonged poverty, our Team Lead offers a unique perspective to the communities we work with. We've carried out a great deal of fieldwork, interviews, and surveys in order to obtain firsthand knowledge of the difficulties, goals, and experiences of these communities. Because of our close closeness, we have been able to develop deep connections and trust with the people in the community.

Cultural Sensitivity: The members of our team are reflective of the communities we serve and embody cultural sensitivity. We value the diversity of viewpoints and experiences among the girls and women in these communities and acknowledge the particular cultural nuances and difficulties around menstruation.

Collaboration: Rise Up 4 Her's conception and execution are significantly influenced by the perspectives, objectives, and goals of the communities we support. We actively engage members of the community in co-creating the solutions that most effectively meet their unique needs. By working together, we can make sure that the target population not only finds our efforts relevant, but also supports them.

Constant Feedback: We keep lines of communication open with the communities, asking for suggestions and opinions at each step of the creation and application of the solution. We can modify and improve our strategy in response to the communities' changing needs and priorities thanks to this feedback loop.

Because of our Team Lead's own knowledge of the consequences of period poverty and our team's closeness to and sincere comprehension of the target demographic, Rise Up 4 Her is a solution that is firmly ingrained in the communities it works with. Instead of taking a hierarchical approach, it is a cooperative endeavor to empower women and girls by addressing their particular needs and goals.

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Rise Up 4 Her is innovative in several ways:

Comprehensive Approach: Our solution takes a holistic approach to address period poverty by combining menstrual product distribution, education, destigmatization, and healthcare services in one multifaceted initiative. This comprehensive strategy ensures that we not only provide essential products but also equip girls with the knowledge and support they need to manage their menstrual health confidently.

Youth-Centered Infrastructure: We are pioneering the concept of Youth-Centered Hubs, equipped with modern technology for telehealth consultations, Reproductive Health information kiosks, and dispensing machines for contraceptives. This innovative infrastructure provides a safe and welcoming space where young people can access the services they need without judgment or stigma. It's a novel approach to increasing access to RH information and services.

Technology Integration: Our solution leverages technology in multiple ways, including the use of digital educational resources, telehealth services, and data collection for real-time monitoring of our impact. By integrating these technologies, we ensure efficient service delivery and enhanced accessibility.

Social Media Campaigns: We use digital marketing and social media to raise awareness about period poverty and destigmatize menstruation. This approach not only engages our target audience but also catalyzes broader positive impacts by encouraging open conversations and challenging societal norms surrounding menstruation.

Data-Driven Decision-Making: Our data collection and analysis tools provide valuable insights into the impact of our initiatives, allowing us to make informed decisions and adaptations. This data-driven approach can serve as a model for other organizations and initiatives in the RH space, promoting accountability and results-based strategies.

Rise Up 4 Her's innovative blend of education, technology, and community engagement not only transforms the way we address period poverty but also catalyzes broader positive impacts by challenging norms and raising awareness. By pioneering the Youth-Centered SRHR Hubs and utilizing various technologies, we are changing the market by creating a new, more accessible and youth-friendly approach to SRHR support. Our approach can serve as a model for others in this space, encouraging them to adopt similarly comprehensive and technology-driven solutions to address period poverty and promote menstrual health.

Impact Goals (2024):

Reach 10,000 Girls: Within the next year, we aim to provide menstrual products, education, and healthcare support to at least 10,000 girls in underserved communities. This impact goal directly aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.7, which seeks to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health care services.

Establish 8 Youth-Centered SRHR Hubs: We plan to establish eight Youth-Centered SRHR Hubs in different regions, enhancing access to SRH information and healthcare services. This goal contributes to SDG 3.7 and SDG 4.7 by promoting comprehensive sexual education.

Track School Attendance: In collaboration with schools, we will track attendance rates among girls who have participated in our project. This will allow us to measure the impact of our project on school attendance and identify any challenges or barriers that girls are facing, contributing to SDG 4.1, which aims to ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education.

Next Five Years Impact Goals (2028):

Empower 150,000 Girls: Over the next five years, we aspire to empower at least 150,000 girls to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence, enabling them to stay in school and pursue their goals. This aligns with SDG 5.1, which seeks to end all forms of discrimination against women and girls.

Expand to 16 Youth-Centered SRHR Hubs: Our vision includes expanding the network of Youth-Centered SRHR Hubs to 20 locations, further improving access to SRH information, commodities, and services. This aligns with SDG 3.7 and SDG 4.7 by promoting comprehensive sexual education and health care.

To accomplish these impact goals, we will have:

Community Engagement: Continue engaging with the communities we serve, soliciting feedback, and actively involving them in co-creating solutions.

Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as donors and stakeholders, to scale our impact and resources.

Technology Integration: Leverage technology for efficient distribution, education, and telehealth services. Implement data-driven decision-making for continuous improvement.

Advocacy: Advocate for comprehensive sexual education programs in schools, addressing root causes of SRHR barriers and promoting gender equality, contributing to broader systemic change.

Awareness Campaigns: Extend our digital and social media campaigns to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation, encouraging open conversations.

By combining these strategies, we aim to achieve our impact goals, transforming the lives of girls and women in underserved communities, keeping them in school to empower them, and contributing to the broader agenda of gender equality, health access, and education.

Theory of Change for Rise Up 4 Her:

Problem Statement: Period poverty is a widespread issue affecting girls and women, particularly in underserved communities, leading to missed school days, educational setbacks, and health risks.

Immediate Outputs:

Distribution of Menstrual Products: We provide sustainable and high-quality menstrual products to girls in need.

Menstruation Education Programs: We deliver age-appropriate menstruation education to demystify menstruation and provide accurate information.

Youth-Centered SRHR Hubs: We establish these hubs to serve as one-stop centers for young people to access information, contraceptives, and healthcare services.

Short-Term Outcomes (1-2 years):

Increased Access: Girls have access to the products they need, reducing the immediate impact of period poverty.

Improved Knowledge: Girls are equipped with accurate information about menstruation, reducing stigma and misinformation.

Enhanced Support: Girls can access healthcare services, contributing to their well-being.

School Attendance: By addressing period poverty, girls are more likely to stay in school, improving their educational prospects.

Long-Term Outcomes (3-5 years):

Empowered Girls: Girls can manage their menstrual health with dignity, boosting self-esteem, social mobility, and economic opportunities.

Reduced Gender Inequality: By breaking the cycle of stigma and barriers around menstruation, our solution contributes to reducing gender inequality.

Healthier Communities: Improved menstrual health reduces the risk of infections, leading to healthier communities.

Systemic Change: Advocacy for comprehensive sexual education programs and the establishment of Youth-Centered SRHR Hubs result in informed and responsible young generations, reducing the need for SRHR services in the first place.

Impact:

Our solution aims to create a more equitable world where every girl and woman can manage her periods with dignity, unencumbered by inadequate access to education, health, self-esteem, social mobility, and economic opportunities. We expect this impact to be realized through a combination of immediate outputs, short-term outcomes, and long-term systemic change. By keeping girls in school, we empower them to break the cycle of poverty and contribute to a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

4 - full time employees

5 - part time employees

8 - other workers coming in from time to time

We have been working on our solution for 1 year and 2 months.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Approach at Rise Up 4 Her:

We are deeply committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We believe that a diverse and inclusive team leads to innovative solutions that can better address the multifaceted challenges we aim to tackle.

Our DEI Efforts:

Diverse Leadership: Our leadership team reflects a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We actively seek out individuals who can provide unique insights and solutions to address the complex issues related to period poverty and sexual and reproductive health. We also ensure that we periodically engage individuals from the communities we focus on to gain their perspectives. This helps them warm up to our initiative and ensures that their voices are central in shaping our work.

Community Engagement: We prioritize engaging the communities we serve in the co-creation of our solutions. This involves listening to their needs, understanding their unique challenges, and ensuring their voices are heard in the decision-making process. We actively bring in different experiences and perspectives to have a holistic view of the issues at hand.

Equity-Centered Design: Our solutions are designed with equity in mind. We address disparities and systemic barriers that have historically prevented marginalized groups, including girls and women, from accessing essential resources and opportunities. We also include men in our programs to mentor boys in the communities we work with, fostering a culture of equity and understanding.

Inclusive Programs: We create programs and services that welcome, respect, support, and value all members of the community. Our initiatives are designed to be culturally sensitive and relevant to the diverse groups we serve. We also collaborate with other stakeholders who can contribute to the growth and development of the communities we work in, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges we face.

Our ongoing goals for DEI include:

Diverse Hiring: Expanding our team to include individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including underserved communities, to ensure we have a holistic understanding of the challenges we are addressing.

Equitable Access: Continuously evaluating our initiatives to ensure they are accessible and beneficial to all members of the communities we serve, regardless of their social, cultural, or economic backgrounds.

Inclusive Outreach: Developing outreach and awareness campaigns that celebrate diversity and inclusivity and promote a culture of acceptance and understanding.

Community-Centric Decision-Making: Empowering the communities we serve to play an active role in shaping our programs, services, and solutions. We are committed to community-driven initiatives.

Business Model for Rise Up 4 Her

Key Customers and Beneficiaries:Girls and women in underserved communities, particularly in Nairobi's slums and similar regions.

Products and Services:

Distribution of sustainable and high-quality menstrual products.

Menstruation education programs.

Establishment of Youth-Centered SRHR Hubs.

Community engagement and awareness campaigns.

Digital educational resources on menstruation, hygiene, and reproductive health.

How We Provide Products and Services:

Collaborate with schools and healthcare providers to distribute products.

Conduct education programs and workshops in schools and community centers.

Establish Youth-Centered SRHR Hubs in underserved communities.

Use social media for awareness campaigns and destigmatization.

Employ technology for data collection, analysis, and tracking.

Develop digital educational platforms accessible via smartphones and computer terminals.

Why They Want or Need Them:

Girls and women need access to menstrual products to manage their periods with dignity and comfort.

Education programs provide accurate information and break the cycle of stigma and misinformation.

Youth-Centered SRHR Hubs offer a safe and welcoming space for information, 

Community engagement and awareness campaigns destigmatize menstruation and encourage girls to seek support.

Digital educational resources empower girls with knowledge about menstruation, hygiene, and reproductive health.

Impact:

Comprehensive solutions that address period poverty, improve sexual and reproductive health, and empower girls and women.

Reduce gender inequality and create healthier communities.

Facilitate systemic change in sexual and reproductive health in underserved communities.

Revenue:

Funding primarily from grants, donations, and partnerships with organizations sharing the mission.

Revenue from the sale of shoes and dresses donated, with profits reinvested into the initiative. Well wishers donate their still good quality shoes and clothes that people buy or exchange for menstrual products

Rise Up 4 Her's business model focuses on delivering value to girls and women in underserved communities by providing essential products, education, healthcare services, and community engagement. The revenue model is primarily grant-based, with the potential for supplementary income from the clothing donated.

Plan for Financial Sustainability for Rise Up 4 Her:

Rise Up 4 Her aims to become financially sustainable by diversifying revenue streams and creating a model that covers expected expenses in the long term. The primary sources of revenue include:

Grants and Donations: Continue to seek grants from foundations, governments, and organizations aligned with the mission of improving menstrual health and reducing gender inequality. Establish ongoing relationships with donors committed to supporting the initiative.

Partnerships: Collaborate with organizations and businesses that share the vision of empowering girls and women like Rotary. Explore partnership opportunities for co-funding, in-kind support, and shared resources.

Sustainable Menstrual Product Production: We are looking into investing in producing sustainable menstrual pads that are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. These pads can be sold to generate revenue, and the income can be reinvested into the initiative.

Service Contracts: Explore opportunities to secure service contracts with local governments or educational institutions to provide comprehensive menstrual health and education services. This could include conducting workshops.

Community Engagement: Engage the local community in fundraising activities, events, and initiatives. Empower community members to take ownership of the project and contribute to its financial sustainability.

The long-term financial sustainability plan for Rise Up 4 Her involves a combination of these revenue streams. By diversifying funding sources and investing in the production of sustainable menstrual pads, the initiative can cover its expected expenses and continue its mission of empowering girls and women in underserved communities. This multi-pronged approach will ensure that the project remains resilient and adaptable in its financial sustainability efforts.