EcoFlow Cup

In Tanzania, the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products is a pervasive problem that affects millions of girls and women. According to the World Bank, approximately 24 million Tanzanian females are of reproductive age and potentially menstruating. However, many of them lack access to basic sanitary products due to financial constraints and socio-cultural barriers.

A study conducted by Huru International found that 1 in 10 African schoolgirls skips school or drops out entirely due to a lack of proper menstrual hygiene management tools. In Tanzania, it is estimated that 4 in 10 girls miss school during their menstruation period. This equates to a loss of approximately 20% of the school year, significantly impacting their educational attainment and future opportunities.

The economic impact of menstrual hygiene management on Tanzanian women is also significant. A packet of sanitary pads can cost up to 5,000 Tanzanian shillings, which is beyond the reach of many women and girls in the country. This financial burden is exacerbated by the fact that Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world, with a GDP per capita of only $1,080 and approximately 26.8% of the population living below the poverty line.

The environmental impact of disposable menstrual products is a global concern. It is estimated that each woman will use approximately 11,000 disposable sanitary products in her lifetime, contributing to the 200,000 tonnes of landfill waste generated by these products each year. In Tanzania, where waste management systems are often inadequate, this problem is particularly acute.

Globally, menstrual hygiene management is a challenge that affects millions of girls and women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. According to the World Bank, at least 500 million women and girls lack adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management. Furthermore, a report by UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 2.3 billion people live without basic sanitation services, which is a crucial component of proper menstrual hygiene management.

The lack of access to affordable and comfortable menstrual hygiene products is a significant problem affecting millions of girls and women in Tanzania. The numbers clearly show the scale of the problem, with millions of girls missing school, women facing economic hardship, and the environment suffering due to the prevalence of disposable products. The EcoFlow Cup aims to address this issue by providing a low-cost, reusable, and eco-friendly alternative that empowers girls and women to manage their periods with dignity and comfort while also contributing to global environmental sustainability efforts.

The EcoFlow Cup is a low-cost, reusable, and eco-friendly menstrual cup that offers a sustainable alternative to disposable sanitary pads and tampons. It is designed to be comfortable, convenient, and easy to use, providing girls and women with a dignified and effective solution to manage their menstrual hygiene.

Our menstrual cup is made from medical-grade silicone that is free from harmful chemicals and allergens. It is designed to be inserted into the vagina, where it collects menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it. The cup can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time, after which it can be easily removed, emptied, cleaned, and reinserted. The EcoFlow Cup is reusable for up to 10 years, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option.

To ensure accessibility, we have manufactured 1000 units of the EcoFlow Cup and have initiated a distribution program in rural schools in the Geita and Katavi regions of Tanzania. This pilot program aims to provide girls in these regions with a reliable and sustainable solution to manage their periods, empowering them to continue with their education and daily activities without interruption.

Our solution is unique in that it addresses both the environmental and financial burdens of menstrual hygiene management. The EcoFlow Cup reduces the need for disposable sanitary products, which are often expensive and contribute to environmental pollution. In addition, the cup is easy to clean and can be sterilized by boiling, ensuring that girls and women have access to a safe and hygienic solution even in areas with limited water and sanitation facilities.

The EcoFlow Cup is a practical, sustainable, and cost-effective solution to the challenges of menstrual hygiene management faced by girls and women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Our pilot program in Tanzania is just the beginning, and we are committed to expanding our impact and reaching more girls and women worldwide, empowering them to manage their periods with dignity and comfort.

The EcoFlow Cup serves young girls in rural schools about 2,500,000 primarily between the ages of 15 to 25, who are currently underserved in terms of menstrual hygiene management options. These girls often lack access to affordable and sustainable menstrual hygiene products, which can significantly impact their daily lives and educational attendance.

In rural areas, girls are often faced with the challenge of managing their menstrual hygiene with limited resources. Disposable sanitary pads and tampons can be expensive and difficult to obtain, and there is often a lack of proper waste disposal facilities for these products. Furthermore, the use of traditional methods such as cloths or rags can be uncomfortable, unreliable, and unhygienic, leading to potential health risks.

The EcoFlow Cup directly addresses these challenges by providing a cost-effective, reusable, and eco-friendly solution. The cup is made from medical-grade silicone, which is safe and hypoallergenic. It is designed to be comfortable and easy to use, with the added convenience of being able to be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. This is especially beneficial for young girls who may not have easy access to clean and private bathroom facilities during their school day.

The long lifespan of the EcoFlow Cup (up to 10 years) means that girls can rely on a single product to manage their menstrual hygiene throughout their schooling years and beyond, without the recurring costs associated with disposable products. This can result in significant financial savings for the girls and their families, which is especially important in low-income rural communities.

Also, the EcoFlow Cup is an environmentally friendly option that reduces the need for disposable sanitary products, which often end up as litter in rural areas due to the lack of proper waste disposal facilities. By reducing the reliance on disposable products, the EcoFlow Cup helps to minimize environmental pollution and promote a cleaner and healthier environment for the communities we serve.

Our team is uniquely positioned to deliver this solution because of our direct connections and ongoing engagement with the communities we aim to serve. We are not outsiders trying to impose a solution; rather, we are deeply integrated with the rural communities in Tanzania where our work is focused.

The team lead has spent several years working in rural areas in Tanzania, building relationships with community leaders, educators, and local health workers. These relationships are invaluable in ensuring that our solution is relevant and effective for the communities we aim to serve.

We are constantly learning from the communities we work with to understand their specific needs and challenges. This includes regular consultations with girls and women in the community, as well as collaboration with local health workers who have a deep understanding of the local context. By actively listening and learning from the community, we can tailor our solution to be most effective and culturally appropriate.

Engagement with the community is a critical component of our work. We have conducted workshops and focus groups with girls and women in rural schools to gather their input on our menstrual cup and to understand their experiences with menstrual hygiene management. These sessions have been instrumental in refining our product design and educational materials to ensure they are user-friendly and meet the needs of our target population.

Also, we have trained local women to act as ambassadors for the EcoFlow Cup, providing education and support to girls in their communities. These ambassadors are critical in building trust and ensuring that the solution is accepted and embraced by the community.

In terms of design and implementation, our solution is guided by the input and feedback from the community. We have made adjustments to our product based on feedback received during our pilot phase, and we continue to iterate and improve our solution based on ongoing feedback. This ensures that our menstrual cup is not only effective but also well-received by the girls and women who use it.

Since launching our solution in May 2023, we have successfully distributed our low-cost, reusable, and eco-friendly menstrual cups to 1000 young girls in rural schools in the Geita and Katavi regions of Tanzania. These girls now have access to a sustainable and dignified way to manage their periods, free from the economic burden and environmental impact of disposable sanitary pads and tampons. 

By providing them with a reliable and comfortable alternative, we are empowering these young girls to continue their education without the disruption and shame often associated with menstruation. This is a significant step towards improving their sexual and reproductive health outcomes and breaking down the barriers that can prevent young girls from achieving their full potential.

Looking ahead, we have set an ambitious target to serve 12,000 young girls by the end of 2024. To achieve this, we plan to expand our distribution network, collaborate with more schools and community organizations, and increase awareness of our solution among our target population. We are confident that, with the right support, we can scale our impact and make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands more young girls in Tanzania and beyond.

Our solution, the EcoFlow Cup, is innovative in its approach to addressing menstrual hygiene challenges faced by young girls in rural Tanzania and beyond. While menstrual cups are not a new invention, our approach to distributing them in rural schools and educating girls on their use is a novel way to tackle the issue of menstrual hygiene management in these communities.

One of the main innovations of our solution is our focus on education and community engagement. We don't just distribute the EcoFlow Cup; we also provide comprehensive education on menstrual health and hygiene, ensuring that girls understand how to use the cup safely and effectively. This education is delivered through workshops and training sessions conducted in schools, as well as through informational materials that are distributed alongside the cup.

Our solution is innovative in its eco-friendliness. Unlike disposable sanitary pads and tampons, the EcoFlow Cup is reusable and can last for up to 10 years with proper care. This not only reduces the environmental impact of menstrual hygiene products but also makes it a cost-effective option for girls and their families.

We have incorporated feedback from the communities we serve to make the EcoFlow Cup culturally appropriate and user-friendly. The design of the cup has been modified based on this feedback to ensure that it meets the needs and preferences of the girls who use it.

Our solution has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts in the menstrual hygiene space by providing a sustainable, cost-effective, and culturally appropriate option for managing menstrual health. This could change the market by shifting the focus from disposable products to reusable options, reducing the environmental impact of menstrual hygiene management. Additionally, by proving that menstrual cups can be successfully distributed and adopted in rural communities, our solution could pave the way for other organizations to adopt similar approaches, further expanding access to sustainable menstrual hygiene options.

The EcoFlow Cup is innovative in its approach to addressing menstrual hygiene challenges in rural Tanzania and beyond. By focusing on education and community engagement, our solution ensures that girls not only have access to a sustainable and cost-effective menstrual hygiene option but also the knowledge and support they need to use it effectively. This, combined with the eco-friendliness of the product and its culturally appropriate design, makes the EcoFlow Cup a groundbreaking solution that has the potential to change the landscape of menstrual hygiene management.

Our impact goals for the next year and the next five years revolve around expanding access to sustainable menstrual hygiene options and improving menstrual health education in rural Tanzania and beyond.

1-Year Impact Goals:

1. Serve 12,000 young girls in rural schools across Tanzania with the EcoFlow Cup.
2. Conduct menstrual health and hygiene education workshops in 100 schools across Tanzania.
3. Establish partnerships with local NGOs and government bodies to expand the reach of our solution.

5-Year Impact Goals:

1. Serve 100,000 young girls in rural schools across Tanzania and neighboring countries with the EcoFlow Cup.
2. Conduct menstrual health and hygiene education workshops in 1,000 schools across Tanzania and neighboring countries.
3. Establish a sustainable business model that allows us to expand our reach and impact while maintaining affordability and accessibility.
4. Contribute to the reduction of period poverty and the normalization of menstruation in the communities we serve.

To achieve these goals, we will:

1. Continue to manufacture and distribute the EcoFlow Cup in rural schools, ensuring that girls have access to a sustainable and cost-effective menstrual hygiene option.

2. Expand our education and community engagement programs to ensure that girls have the knowledge and support they need to use the EcoFlow Cup effectively.

3. Partner with local NGOs and government bodies to leverage their networks and resources to expand the reach of our solution.

4. Invest in research and development to continuously improve the design and functionality of the EcoFlow Cup, ensuring that it meets the needs and preferences of the girls who use it.

5. Explore new business models and funding opportunities to ensure the sustainability and scalability of our solution.

By achieving these goals, we hope to have a transformational impact on the lives of young girls in rural Tanzania and beyond, empowering them to manage their menstrual health with dignity and comfort. This will contribute to the achievement of several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 4 (Quality Education), and Goal 5 (Gender Equality).

Our theory of change is grounded in the belief that by providing young girls in rural Tanzania with access to affordable, eco-friendly menstrual cups and comprehensive menstrual health education, we can empower them to manage their periods with dignity and comfort, which will in turn improve their health, education, and overall well-being.

Inputs:

• Manufacture of low-cost, reusable, and eco-friendly menstrual cups (EcoFlow Cup)
• Development of menstrual health and hygiene education workshops
• Establishment of partnerships with local NGOs, government bodies, and schools

Activities:

• Distribute EcoFlow Cups to young girls in rural schools across Tanzania
• Conduct menstrual health and hygiene education workshops in schools
• Engage with local communities to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene
• Foster partnerships with local NGOs, government bodies, and schools to expand the reach of our solution

Outputs:

• Number of EcoFlow Cups distributed
• Number of education workshops conducted
• Number of partnerships established
• Number of communities engaged

Outcomes:

• Improved menstrual health and hygiene for young girls in rural Tanzania
• Increased knowledge and awareness about menstrual health and hygiene among young girls and their communities
• Improved school attendance and educational outcomes for young girls
• Reduced environmental impact of menstrual waste

Long-term Impact:

• Empowerment of young girls in rural Tanzania to manage their menstrual health with dignity and comfort
• Contribution to the reduction of period poverty and the normalization of menstruation in the communities we serve
• Improved health, education, and overall well-being for young girls in rural Tanzania

Our theory of change is supported by evidence from existing research and our own findings from interviews and surveys with our target population. For example, studies have shown that providing girls with access to menstrual hygiene products and education can significantly improve their school attendance and educational outcomes (Hennegan et al., 2016). 

Our own data from surveys and interviews with young girls in rural Tanzania has also shown that lack of access to affordable and sustainable menstrual hygiene options is a significant barrier to their ability to manage their periods with dignity and comfort.

Full-time staff:

1. Farhina Hadji - Team Lead and Project Coordinator: Farhina is responsible for overseeing the entire project, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring our goals are met on time.
2. Khalid Mwinyi - Operations Manager: Khalid oversees the manufacturing and distribution process of the EcoFlow Cups.
3. Zainabu Hussein - Community Engagement Officer: Zainabu is in charge of liaising with schools and local communities to organize workshops and distribution events.
4. Juma Saidi - Education and Training Specialist: Juma develops and delivers the menstrual health workshops.
5. Amina Bakari - Marketing and Partnerships Coordinator: Works on building partnerships and raising awareness about our solution.

We have been passionately working on our solution, the EcoFlow Cup, for approximately 6 months. Our journey began with extensive research and development to create a low-cost, reusable, and eco-friendly menstrual cup that meets the needs of young girls in rural areas. Over the past two years, we have focused on manufacturing, community engagement, and distribution, with a successful launch that reached 1000 young girls in rural schools in Tanzania. Our commitment to empowering girls to manage their periods with dignity and comfort continues to drive our efforts as we strive to expand our impact.

At EcoFlow Cup, we are deeply committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusivity in every aspect of our work. Our leadership team and staff are a testament to our commitment to diversity, as we strive to create a team that represents a range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Our team is comprised of individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds, which brings a wealth of knowledge and insight that is crucial for our work in serving diverse communities.

One of our primary goals is to ensure that our solution is accessible and inclusive to all girls, regardless of their socio-economic status, ethnicity, or location. We understand that menstrual health is a universal challenge that affects girls and women worldwide, and we are committed to breaking down barriers that prevent them from managing their periods with dignity and comfort.

To achieve this, we work closely with local communities to understand their unique needs and challenges. We engage in regular dialogues with community leaders, parents, and girls to gather their input and feedback, which is integral to the development and implementation of our solution. By doing so, we ensure that our product is culturally sensitive and meets the specific needs of the communities we serve.

Also, we are continually exploring ways to improve our solution and expand our impact. We actively seek partnerships with organizations and individuals that share our vision and values, and we are open to learning from others in the menstrual health space. By collaborating and sharing knowledge, we believe that we can create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all girls and women, regardless of their background or circumstances.

At EcoFlow Cup, our business model is centered on providing value to our beneficiaries—the girls and young women in rural schools—through our low-cost, reusable, and eco-friendly menstrual cups.

Value Proposition:
Our primary value proposition is the EcoFlow Cup, which is designed as a more sustainable, comfortable, and affordable alternative to disposable sanitary pads and tampons. The menstrual cup empowers girls and women to manage their periods with dignity and comfort, without the environmental impact of disposable products.

Key Customers and Beneficiaries:
Our primary customers and beneficiaries are girls and young women in rural schools aged 15 to 25. These girls often face significant challenges in managing their menstrual hygiene, including a lack of access to affordable and eco-friendly sanitary products. By providing them with the EcoFlow Cup, we address their need for a sustainable and cost-effective solution to menstrual hygiene management.

How We Provide Value:
We provide value through the distribution of our menstrual cups to rural schools in Tanzania. We partner with local NGOs and community organizations to facilitate the distribution and provide education and support to the girls and young women receiving the cups. This includes training on how to use and care for the menstrual cups, as well as education on menstrual health and hygiene.

Revenue Streams:
Our primary revenue stream comes from the sale of EcoFlow Cups. While we distribute the cups to rural schools at no cost to the beneficiaries, we also sell the cups through various retail channels, including online and in-store. The profits from these sales are then reinvested back into the business to support our distribution and education programs in rural schools.

Impact:
The impact of our business model is twofold. Firstly, we provide a practical solution to the challenges girls and young women face in managing their menstrual hygiene, thereby improving their health, well-being, and educational opportunities. Secondly, by promoting the use of reusable menstrual cups, we contribute to reducing the environmental impact of disposable sanitary products.

Our plan for becoming financially sustainable involves diversifying our revenue streams, expanding our market reach, and leveraging partnerships to optimize our operations and maximize our impact.

Diversifying Revenue Streams:
Our primary revenue stream comes from the sale of EcoFlow Cups. We will continue to grow this revenue stream by expanding our retail presence both online and in stores, and by exploring opportunities to partner with other organizations and companies that align with our mission.

In addition to our product sales, we are exploring the following revenue streams:

Service Contracts with Governments and NGOs:

We plan to pursue service contracts with governments and NGOs to provide menstrual cups and educational programs to girls and women in rural and underserved areas.

Grants and Donations:

We will continue to seek out grants and donations from foundations, organizations, and individuals that support women's health and empowerment initiatives.

Sponsored Educational Programs:

We will develop and offer sponsored educational programs on menstrual health and hygiene, which will be funded by corporate sponsors and other partners.

Expanding Market Reach:
To increase our sales and impact, we will focus on expanding our market reach both domestically and internationally. This includes:

Market Research:

Conducting market research to identify new regions and communities that would benefit from our products and programs.

Distribution Channels:

Establishing new distribution channels, including online marketplaces, retail stores, and partnerships with NGOs and community organizations.

Marketing and Awareness Campaigns:

Launching targeted marketing and awareness campaigns to educate girls and women about the benefits of using menstrual cups and to increase the visibility of our brand.

Leveraging Partnerships:
We understand the importance of partnerships in achieving our financial sustainability goals. We will:

Partner with NGOs and Community Organizations:

Collaborate with NGOs and community organizations to leverage their networks and resources for the distribution of our products and educational programs.

Corporate Partnerships:

Seek corporate partnerships with companies that align with our mission to support women's health and empowerment initiatives.
Collaboration with Governments:

Engage with governments to explore opportunities for service contracts and support for our programs.