What is the name of your organization?
Silmak-Genesis Care
What is the name of your solution?
AI-SMS: Access MH/GBV/Hygiene
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
"AI-SMS chatbot: Bridging silence for mental health, GBV, & menstrual care access in underserved communities."
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Nairobi, Kenya
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
Kenya
What type of organization is your solution team?
For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models
Film your elevator pitch.
What specific problem are you solving?
We solve the problem of a lack of accessible, confidential support for menstrual hygiene, mental health, and GBV, which significantly impacts digitally excluded girls and women in Kenya's underserved communities due to poverty, stigma, and limited resources. High rates of period poverty contribute to school absenteeism (e.g., 46% monthly absence for slum adolescent girls)- PATH Kenya, 2019. A severe shortage of mental health professionals further exacerbates the issue (62 psychiatrists serving over 50 million people)- 2021-2030 Kenya MoH policy. GBV is also prevalent, with significant percentages of Kenyan women experiencing sexual and physical violence (Gender Violence Recovery Centre, as reported by VOA News, Dec 2023).
Globally, millions face similar unmet needs in these critical areas. (WHO estimates 1 in 8 people globally live with a mental health condition) - WHO, 2019. Our solution directly tackles digital exclusion by utilizing SMS technology. The basic service is free to the users, addressing cost barriers. Confidentiality inherent in SMS helps overcome stigma. We provide accurate, relevant content to combat misinformation and establish direct connections to local resources for effective referrals. We aim to deliver inclusive and timely support to those most vulnerable, directly addressing the existing gaps in access and care
What is your solution?
We've created an AI-powered SMS chatbot for underserved communities that offers a private, culturally sensitive, and timely way to get support. Simple SMS enables even those with basic phones to access crucial information and help.
This chatbot provides accurate, real-time advice on menstrual hygiene, mental health, and gender-based violence (GBV), empowering users to understand their challenges and approach them with dignity. It also acts as a bridge to essential local services, connecting these vulnerable communities with healthcare providers, community chiefs, and police hotlines for comprehensive support.
By cleverly combining AI, SMS, and community referrals, our solution overcomes the digital divide. It also equips users with the knowledge to manage their health, well-being, and safety, while making it easy to connect with local professionals. This system directly addresses the lack of access, confidentiality, and the stigma that often prevents these communities from seeking the help they need, ultimately leading to healthier, safer, and more empowered lives
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
Genesis Cares chatbot serves girls, women, and young people living in slum communities like Kibera and Korogocho, including other Kenyan marginalized rural areas such as West Pokot, Kwale, and Turkana. These populations face significant challenges related to menstrual hygiene education, mental health, and gender-based violence (GBV). This technology addresses key barriers such as limited access to healthcare services, digital exclusion, and social stigma, all of which hinder their ability to access vital information and support.
