Viya

Viya Health SA is addressing a critical problem in South Africa, where millions of women lack accessible, reliable, and stigma-free resources for their sexual and reproductive health (SRH). While digital health solutions have made significant advancements, there are still gaps in accessibility and equitable coverage, especially for women. Limited digital literacy and socio-economic factors prevent many women from fully benefiting from these solutions.

Women in South Africa play a vital role in the economy, with many serving as primary breadwinners for their families. However, there's a stark contrast between black and white women, with 41% unemployment among black women compared to 6% unemployment among white women. This economic disenfranchisement leaves black women with limited voice and agency, affecting their SRH choices and contributing to higher rates of gender-based violence. These disparities lead to inequalities in health outcomes, particularly in SRH.

To address these challenges, the South African government provides social grants, including child support grants, to support financially disadvantaged women. While these grants are essential, they often fail to meet women's multi-faceted needs adequately. For example, the child support grant amounts to only R480 per month (around $27), which is insufficient to cover all the expenses women and their families may have. Furthermore, the registration process for these grants can be arduous and unwelcoming, leading to low registration rates, as many women lack the required documentation or wish to avoid judgment from officials.

A substantial portion of South Africans, approximately 47%, rely on these social grants. Some women creatively leverage these grants to generate additional income by starting their own businesses or joining community savings groups. These income-generating efforts help bridge financial gaps but are often limited in scope.

The scale of the issue is vast, with a population of over 59 million in South Africa. The country faces significant SRH challenges, including high rates of HIV infection and cervical cancer. Gender-based violence remains a pervasive problem, causing physical and mental health issues for many women who are financially dependent on their male partners. This financial dependency limits women's voice and agency in making SRH decisions, including the choice to leave abusive partners.

Viya Health SA recognizes the pressing need for comprehensive support for women's SRH in South Africa. Our multifaceted solution combines information, community, and economic empowerment to create a holistic approach that empowers women to make informed decisions, become financially independent, and improve their overall well-being.

We are committed to addressing the multifaceted challenges women face in South Africa by offering a comprehensive digital platform tailored to their unique needs. Our journey began in 2021, focusing on delivering reliable sexual and reproductive health (SRH) content and facilitating access to healthcare services by connecting women with qualified providers. We have established a strong digital presence, including a website and a vibrant community on social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Our core mission is to empower women by providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance their SRH and overall well-being.

Our holistic approach involves three key components: Content and Community, Viya Women's Business Network, and Viya Products.

Content and Community:

• Our website serves as a gateway to a wealth of information tailored to women's SRH and overall well-being.
• Women can access an extensive library of articles, blogs, and resources that address their questions and concerns.
• The #AskViya community forum provides a safe space where women connect with like-minded individuals, engage in open discussions, and share their experiences.
• We use modern web technologies to foster a supportive and judgment-free environment, ensuring that women feel understood and supported.

Viya Women's Business Network (Empowering Women through Entrepreneurship):

• We firmly believe in putting the power back into the hands of women, and the Viya Women's Business Network is our initiative to achieve just that.
• This program empowers women to start and manage their own businesses, following a model similar to Avon Ladies.
• It goes beyond fostering financial independence, and offering economic opportunities at women's doorsteps to address their unique challenges.
• Leveraging web and e-commerce technologies, we aim to make the entrepreneurial journey as smooth as possible.

Viya Products (Maintenance and Treatment Solutions):

• Our engagement with women on the VIYA digital platform has helped us understand their preferences in sexual and reproductive health.
• In response to these insights, we are introducing a range of products, all branded as VIYA, designed to meet women's specific needs. These include:
• A cream for Atrophic Vaginitis to address vaginal dryness and itchiness.
• A cream that helps prevent and reduce stretch marks.
• A cream that treats vaginal microlesions resulting from HPV or vaginal dryness.
• A cream to manage c-section scars.
• These products will be available for purchase through our e-commerce platform and the Viya Women's Business Network, making it convenient for women to access these specialized health solutions and giving them the opportunity to gain financial independence.

In essence, Viya Health combines valuable information, healthcare awareness events, entrepreneurial opportunities, and specialized health products to address the evolving needs of South African women. Our journey, progressing from concept to scale, is designed to provide a holistic and exceptional experience for every woman seeking reliable resources, support, and products for her sexual and reproductive health journey. Viya Health is more than just a destination platform; it is an inclusive movement we wholeheartedly invite all women to join in transforming their lives and the landscape of women's health and well-being in South Africa.

Allow us to introduce you to Sara, our Viya archetype. Sara represents this woman who wishes to have a voice and agency but has no enablers. Our primary target population is South African women, particularly young women aged 18-35. This demographic is often underserved in terms of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information, products, and services. These women are eager to embrace technology and digital platforms to access the resources they need for informed decision-making. Viya Health recognizes Sara’s potential and aims to cater to her evolving needs.

Challenges Faced by Sara:

1. Access to Quality Health Information: Many South African women, especially young women, struggle to find accurate and reliable sexual and reproductive health information online. The vast amount of information available often leads to confusion and misinformation.
2. Economic Empowerment: With a substantial portion of women being single parents and young girls depending on older men for financial support, there's a growing need for women's empowerment and encouraging entrepreneurship. South Africa's social grants, while essential, sometimes fall short of providing comprehensive support for women.
3. Stigma and Disparities: Stigma related to sexual and reproductive health issues still exists in South African society. This stigma often discourages women from seeking necessary healthcare and information.

How Does Viya Health Address Sara’s Needs?

1. Comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health Information: Viya Health offers a vast library of content that covers topics ranging from family planning and fertility to menstrual health and sexual well-being. We ensure that women can access accurate and trustworthy information easily through our platform. The VIYA Health digital platform has been providing this valuable SRH information since 2021
2. Community Support: Viya Health creates a safe and supportive community where women can engage in meaningful conversations, share experiences, and provide each other with emotional and psychological support. Our growing social media presence and #AskViya community forum offer women a sense of belonging and solidarity. On Facebook alone, we have a followership of close to 60,000 women, and we continually register high engagement levels.
3. Stigma Reduction: By providing a stigma-free and inclusive space, Viya Health encourages women to seek the help they need without fear of judgment. We promote open conversations about sexual and reproductive health, which is essential in reducing stigma.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Join the Movement and Transform Women's Health in South Africa!

Our team, led by Andy Thwane, is well-positioned to deliver this solution because we're not just a group of professionals; we're a passionate and dedicated force for change. We have grown up in these communities and have an innate understanding of the challenges black South African women face, and how these challenges might be overcome. Women do not want hand-outs, they want to be active members of their communities.

While we've already made strides in content and community building, and already in the growth phase, our vision extends to a vital mission: expanding into economic empowerment. This is where we need support to roll out this initiative. The team lead, Andy Thwane, a data and digital enthusiast with extensive experience in digital marketing, and supported by Yvette Ndlovu, an accomplished marketing professional. Our team combines the right skills, both on and offline expertise, and unwavering commitment to making a real impact in the lives of women across the country. We've already achieved significant milestones, and we're eager to take this solution to the next level.

We invite you to join our movement! Together, we can empower women, transform their health and wellness journey, extend our reach into economic empowerment, and create a lasting impact in South Africa. Be part of something extraordinary and be a driving force in the transformation of women's health and wellness in South Africa.

Our solution serves approximately 60,000 women in South Africa. These women, aged 18 -35, are engaged with our platform through various digital channels, including our website, social media platforms, and community forum. It's important to note that our primary target audience consists of approximately 6.5 million black women in South Africa. Out of this demographic, we have successfully reached and connected with 60,000 followers.

At our current stage of development, we want to scale up and grow the community of followers significantly - from 60,000 to 150,000 in the next year. Additionally, we want to pilot our Viya Women's Business Networknationally in 2024 

Our goal is to significantly expand our movement, reach, and impact by continuing to grow and empower more women through our initiatives, community engagement, and events. We are committed to creating a supportive and engaged community where every woman feels empowered to make informed decisions about her sexual and reproductive health, fostering positive change in South Africa.

At its core, Viya Health SA recognizes the widespread issue of limited access to essential SRH information, services, and products, affecting millions of women locally and globally. To bridge these gaps, the organization has developed a comprehensive digital ecosystem. Our key innovative areas are:

1. Comprehensive Digital Ecosystem: Our one-stop destination for women to access reliable sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information, connect with a supportive community, purchase specialized health products, and empower themselves economically is truly unique.

2. Economic Empowerment through Entrepreneurship: Our initiative to empower women to start their own businesses by reselling Viya SRH products offers a sustainable income source and encourages entrepreneurship and independence.

3. Digital Engagement: Our use of modern web technologies to create a supportive and judgment-free environment fosters meaningful discussions and emotional support. It also allows us to engage with a wider audience and disseminate important SRH information.

4. Customized SRH Products: Our direct engagement with our audience has allowed us to understand their unique SRH needs and develop a range of specialized SRH products branded as VIYA.

5. Meaningful Youth and Women’s Leadership: Our leadership, predominantly composed of young black African women, not only demonstrates the potential of young women as leaders but also creates a relatable and inclusive environment for our target audience.

6. Holistic Approach: Our solution takes a holistic approach to SRH, addressing not only physical health but also financial independence, emotional support, and community engagement.

One-Year Impact Goals:
Reach and Educate: Our primary objective for the next year is to extend our reach to a minimum of 200,000 women across South Africa, providing them with essential sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information, products, and emotional support.

Economic Empowerment:  We aim to launch the Viya Women's Business Network, empowering at least 1,000 women to establish their own businesses as Viya distributors.

Community building and Advocacy: We plan to cultivate a more engaged community by conducting regular awareness campaigns and advocacy events, targeting active participation from at least 5,000 women.

How We Plan to Achieve These Goals:
Digital Expansion: We plan to boost our digital presence through strategic partnerships, search engine optimization, and content creation.

Viya Women's Business Network Launch: We will initiate our entrepreneurial program and actively recruit women from various communities to become Viya distributors.

Community Engagement through Awareness Campaigns: We will organize community events and campaigns to actively address SRH issues and promote informed decisions.

Impact Goals for the Next Five Years:
Nationwide Reach: Our long-term goal is to engage with over 1 million women across South Africa, ensuring they have access to reliable SRH information, products, and community support.

Economic Empowerment: We aim to empower at least 10,000 women by helping them become successful entrepreneurs through the Viya Women's Business Network.

Reducing Stigma: Our aspiration is to engage 50,000 women in community events and advocacy campaigns over five years, fostering an environment of reduced stigma and open discussions around SRH.

How We Plan to Achieve These Goals:
Scale and Partnerships: We plan to scale up our operations by partnering with governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Expansion of Viya Women's Business Network: We plan to establish the Viya Women's Business Network in various regions of South Africa, supporting more women in starting their businesses.

Nationwide Advocacy Campaigns: We will conduct nationwide advocacy campaigns involving prominent personalities and key opinion leaders to reach a broader audience.

Viya’s Theory of Change is underpinned by the understanding that informed women with economic agency and a supportive community are more likely to make positive SRH decisions. This theory draws on extensive research, which comprises 6.5 million black South African women who face barriers in accessing SRH information and resources. 

Short-term Outcomes:
1. Improved SRH Information Access: Viya provides a digital platform with informative content, easy-to-understand materials, and expert insights. Women can access this information through the website, forums, and social media platforms.

2. Viable Economic Opportunities: The launch of the Viya Women's Business Network enables women to become entrepreneurs, distributing Viya SRH products in their communities and gaining financial independence.

3. Community Engagement: By hosting awareness campaigns, and advocacy events, and fostering community engagement through social media platforms, women feel supported, less isolated, and encouraged to discuss SRH matters openly.

Mid-term Outcomes:
1. Informed Decision-Making: As a result of improved SRH information access, women make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. They feel confident about their choices and health outcomes.

2. Economic Empowerment: Women engaged in the Viya Women's Business Network benefit from economic opportunities, reducing financial dependency on male partners and boosting self-confidence.

3. Reduced Stigma: Active participation in community engagement initiatives leads to open conversations about SRH, reducing stigma, and empowering women to seek the care they need without fear of judgment.

Long-term Outcomes:
1. Improved SRH Outcomes: With the right information, economic empowerment, and reduced stigma, Viya Health expects to see improved SRH outcomes among women. These outcomes include reduced rates of gender-based violence, lower incidence of sexually transmitted infections, fewer unplanned pregnancies, and timely access to healthcare services.

2. Economic Upliftment of Communities: As more women participate in the Viya Women's Business Network and gain financial independence, the overall economic situation in communities is likely to improve. This can have a positive impact on households and families.

3. Broader Social Change: Viya’s approach to empowering women through SRH information, economic opportunities, and community support may catalyze broader social changes. By creating a movement that transcends digital platforms, the organization aspires to influence policies, reduce systemic inequalities, and empower women to make choices that positively affect their lives and communities.

Reasoning and Evidence:
Viya’s Theory of Change is underpinned by the understanding that informed women with economic agency and a supportive community are more likely to make positive SRH decisions. This theory draws on extensive research, which comprises 6.5 million black South African women who face barriers in accessing SRH information and resources.

Additionally, our work is inspired by established research and evidence showing the correlation between improved SRH information access, economic independence, and positive SRH outcomes. These factors have been proven to contribute to healthier lives, reduced gender-based violence, and the upliftment of entire communities.

3 - All full time

2 Years -  Our journey started in November 2021, 

Viya is deeply committed to incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into our work. We recognize that South Africa is a diverse nation with complex historical and social dynamics, and it's essential that our organization reflects this diversity in leadership and operations.

Diversity in Leadership:
Diverse Leadership Team: Our organization is proudly led by a black African woman, which is representative of our target population. Our core team comprises young black women who come from and understand the communities we aim to serve. This diversity is not just a matter of representation but is foundational to our approach. Our diverse backgrounds and experiences enable us to empathize with the struggles women face in these communities.

Striving for Gender Parity: We aim to maintain a gender-balanced leadership team, with a focus on empowering and uplifting young women. Our organization's leadership is already predominantly female, and we plan to maintain and enhance this balance in our hiring practices.

Inclusive Decision-Making: Our organization (PSI) values input from all members of our team. We encourage open and honest discussions about our projects, strategies, and future plans. This approach ensures that every team member's perspective is respected and valued.

Policy of Inclusion: We maintain a clear policy of inclusion that extends to all levels of our operations. We are dedicated to creating an environment in which all members of our team are welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.

We balance commercial viability and social impact to deliver consumer-centred healthcare to the communities we serve.  

Our north star is to provide quality products that rival the best in the market in terms of performance, but at relevant price points to balance commercial viability and social impact. We focus on the private market. Some examples of our products are:

Trust condoms: the leading condom in volume sales in the private market in South Africa. This condom ensures affordability and access to the target consumer.  70 % of Trust condoms are distributed in the traditional channel (which serves the informal trade and communities with limited purchasing power). The price point to consumers is $0.68 for a pack of 3 condoms. (contrast this to condom prices in the market which can retail at $.4.00 to the consumer for a pack of 3 condoms).

Similarly, we provide menstruation products which rival the best in the market in performance, at an affordable price. our Trust maxi sanitary pads retail for $0,84. per consumer pack vs market prices of $1,60 per consumer pack.

Our Intrauterine devices (IUDs), sell for $4,57 to providers, compared to market prices in the private market of up to $157.00.

This pricing strategy ensures that communities that are disadvantaged are still able to access these necessities. To ensure commercial viability for our organisation, we also provide other products at higher price points to consumers with the ability to pay.

Our strategy is to maintain a balanced product portfolio that caters to a wide range of consumers. We offer affordable products for those who need them but may struggle with the cost, while also providing higher-priced items for those who can afford them. This approach ensures our organization’s financial sustainability and allows us to subsidize our offerings, reinforcing our commitment to making a positive social impact.

In addition to product sales, we will also diversify our revenue streams by leveraging the following strategies:

Data Monetization: Our platform gathers valuable data on consumer preferences, health trends, and user behaviours. We plan to utilize this data in compliance with data privacy regulations. By anonymizing and aggregating this data, we can offer insights to healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and researchers, who often seek such information for product development, marketing strategies, and healthcare policies. The revenue from data monetization will support our core mission.

Strategic Partnerships: We plan to collaborate with healthcare providers, clinics, and government healthcare institutions. This collaboration allows us to extend our telehealth and e-commerce services as part of their offerings, which not only helps them broaden their reach but also generates revenue through service contracts and partnerships.

Product Expansion: Our long-term goal is to broaden our product portfolio to include a variety of health and wellness solutions. These could include subscription-based services, digital health courses, and wellness products. This expansion will diversify our revenue streams and reduce our reliance on a single income source.

Investment Capital: We understand the importance of strategic investments for financial sustainability. We will look for opportunities to secure investment capital, especially during our venture’s growth stages. This additional capital will support our expansion plans, product development, and market penetration.

Grants and Donations: We will actively seek grants and donations from organizations that share our mission and values. These funds will be allocated to specific initiatives, research projects, and community outreach programs.