YouREP

The Challenge 

Limited access to comprehensive sexual and health education and support for young women in sales and service occupations like hairdressing/stylist, baking/decoration, makeup/deleting, chemist and auxiliary nursing, and tailoring exacerbates the global burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2023, more than one million STIs were acquired daily, Viral STIs such as HIV, genital herpes simplex virus(HSV), viral hepatitis B, human papillomavirus(HPV) and human T-lymphotropic virus type 1(HTLV-1) often having limited or no treatment options.   

Nigeria has the world's second-largest burden of HIV/Aids with over three million people living with Hiv(UNAIDS, 2019), and 20 million people living with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C of which 80% do not know their status and women are mostly affected. These young women face unique challenges due to the lack of comprehensive sexual and health education, and the absence of accessible prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care services for STIs. STIs directly impact sexual and reproductive health, leading to stigmatization, increased risk of infertility, various cancers, pregnancy complications, and a heightened vulnerability to HIV infection.

To address these pressing issues, there is an urgent need to deliver comprehensive sexual and health education tailored to the unique needs of young women in this sales and service occupation, enabling them to protect their health, make informed choices, and lead healthy lives."

Furthermore, a lack of public awareness, busy work nature, scarce access to preventive services, and stigma surrounding STIs create barriers for young women in these specific occupations. These obstacles hinder their ability to recognize STIs, access appropriate care, and make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. 

Our solution does three things. Primary Preventive measures, we deliver comprehensive sexual and health education to young women in hairdressing/stylist, baking/decoration, makeup/deleting, chemist and auxiliary nursing, and tailoring right at their workplace. Encouraging care-seeking behaviour involves raising awareness, reducing stigma, and providing education about the importance of seeking timely healthcare when experiencing symptoms or engaging in high-risk behaviours. Due to the busy nature of their jobs, and education levels(mostly school dropouts) these women lack comprehensive sexual and health education to enable them to make informed behaviours. 

Secondary preventive Measures, we partner with pharmacies in proximity to their workplace to provide subsidy screening for these women. This will encourage case-finding behaviour at an affordable price.  

Thirdly, we ensure rapid and effective treatment of women who are positive by referring them to an appropriate treatment facility. With this, we will be able to ensure that 95% of all people living with STIs such as HIV, genital herpes simplex virus(HSV), viral hepatitis B, and human papillomavirus(HPV) Would be diagnosed and start a life-saving treatment. 

The combination of encouraging care-seeking behaviour, providing rapid and effective treatment, and actively identifying cases of STIs is a comprehensive strategy to reduce the prevalence of these infections, prevent their complications, and ultimately improve public health. This approach is particularly vital in reducing the burden of STIs and their associated health and social consequences.

Our solution addresses the burden of access to comprehensive sexual and health education for young girls and women to make informed decisions about their health, targeting young girls and women in sales and service occupations like hairdressing/stylist, baking/decoration, makeup/deleting, chemist and auxiliary nursing, who due to their work nature, education level, lack of awareness, stigmatization and scarce access to preventive measures has create obstacles hinder their ability to recognize STIs, access appropriate care, and make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. 

We are creating this desire for change through community engagement with these young girls and women. We are creating a YouREP health hub to deliver comprehensive health education in proximity to their workplace (goes to work at 7 a.m. and returns late at night starting from 6 p.m.). 

Our solution benefits these women by ensuring they have access to sexual and reproductive education, are connected to screening and treatment services and are followed up on treatment, ultimately improving maternal health and empowering women.  

We surveyed 10 local governments across three states in Nigeria, and we found that an average saloon, local drug dealers(chemist), makeup/gele tying shops, baking and decoration establishments, and community clinics where auxiliary nurses are trained and working have an average of 6 young girls and women between age 18-35 and within one-kilometre distance, more than 4 shops comprising of this occupations are found. This woman due to their busy work nature(goes to work at 7 am and returns late at night starting from 6 pm). This makes our solution Timely, innovative, feasible and human-centred because women regardless of their location, educational background and socioeconomic status will access our solution and make informed health decisions.

This December we will conduct our first pilot study in two local governments in Oyo state(which has a high proportion of these women in sales and service occupations), to deliver comprehensive sexual and health education, connect them with treatment facilities where they can access these services for free and follow up on their treatment. We are working with the state association of Hairdressing/stylist, baking/decoration, makeup/deleting, chemist and auxiliary nursing, treatment Facility (university college hospital, Ibadan), YouREP ambassadors and volunteers, women leaders in the community and community Council.  

Through awareness and support, we will ultimately improve sexual health and empower young girls and women. 

YouREP is a collaborative work and design by young girls and women to address the root barriers to sexual and reproductive health among young girls and women in sales and service occupations in their communities. At YouREP, our team is uniquely positioned to design and deliver this solution to young women in sales and service occupations. Here's why:

Team Lead's Background: Florence Adejumo the team lead of YouREP is a young girl who after she lost her mother at the tender age of 3 years, grew up amid extended family members who are in sales and service occupations like Tailoring, Chemist and She learnt Hairdressing/stylist. The Team Lead of YouREP has a personal connection to the target communities. She grew up in a community where many women are engaged in sales and service occupations, and her family members and friends are part of these groups. This intimate understanding of the challenges and aspirations of these women drives her commitment to making a positive impact.

Community Engagement: We believe in the power of direct community engagement. Our team actively reaches out to women in these occupations to understand their needs, concerns, and priorities. We conduct face-to-face meetings, focus group discussions, and surveys to gather firsthand insights.

Cultural Sensitivity: We recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity when addressing sexual and reproductive health in these communities. Our team values and respects the cultural diversity that affects health choices and behaviours. We consider these factors in the design and implementation of our solution.

Inclusive Design: Our solution's design is rooted in inclusivity. We ensure that women's voices are heard and that their input directly influences our approach. We incorporate their ideas and agendas into our programs, from content development to service delivery.

Peer Educators: We will actively engage women who are health workers (nurses and pharmacists) within these communities as peer educators. They are at the forefront of delivering sexual and reproductive health education, making it more relatable and trustworthy for their peers.

By highlighting our team's proximity, community engagement, cultural sensitivity, leadership, and co-creation efforts, we demonstrate that YouREP is not an external imposition but a community-driven initiative. We are dedicated to addressing the unique needs of these women and empowering them to make informed health decisions.

YouREP is ready for a pilot study in December 2023. Which will take place in two local government areas in Oyo state. YouREP is a program we have been working on since 2022 to address the access to information gap in sexual and reproductive education and preventive services among sales and service occupations.  

We have worked to identify major root barriers to these young girls and women in accessing these services. We surveyed 150 young girls and women in 10 local governments who are in our target sales and services occupation. Based on their response the major root causes of barriers are Time, lack of awareness, limited access to preventive services, and stigmatization associated with STIs. We checked their knowledge and familiarity with viral STIs like Hiv, Hepatitis, and 130 of these do not have comprehensive knowledge of causes, prevention and availability of life-saving treatment. None of these young girls and women know their status.  

YouREP has developed a curriculum which we will be taught in Our health hub which is set to launch during our pilot stage in December 2023. We are addressing this root cause by working with a culturally sensitive curriculum, education level appropriate and can be utilized in any other state.

We are working with health workers(pharmacists, Nurses) to provide this solution. We have recruited 20 health workers passionate about sexual health, and the wellbeing of young girls and women, who will act as YouREP ambassadors and they will be involved in educating women and providing support in sexual and health education.  

We are currently working in collaboration with Ngo to sponsor screening and treatment of these viral STIs to enable women to access these services for free. Which will be concluded in November and the pilot study begins in December. 

YouREP's innovative approach is a holistic, community-driven solution that addresses the root causes of barriers to sexual and reproductive health for women in sales and service occupations. Its potential to change the market lies in its community-centric, data-informed, and technology-enhanced approach, which can serve as a model for more effective and inclusive sexual and reproductive health programs in similar contexts.
YouREP is innovative in several key ways:

Tailored Delivery: YouREP delivers comprehensive sexual and health education directly to young women in sales and service occupations within their workplaces. This approach acknowledges the busy work schedules of these women and reaches them where they are most comfortable. It's a departure from traditional methods that rely on individuals seeking out information.

Community-Centred Approach: YouREP's design is rooted in the community. It actively engages with local women, community leaders, and female peer educators. By involving these stakeholders, YouREP ensures that the solution is relevant, culturally sensitive, and directly addresses the unique needs and concerns of the target audience. 

Community Health Hubs: YouREP is establishing health hubs in proximity to the workplaces of these women. This model creates a physical space for education, counselling, and support. It's an innovative way to provide access to sexual and reproductive health services, creating a supportive environment that breaks down barriers and reduces stigma.

Pharmacy Partnerships: By partnering with pharmacies near the workplaces of these women, YouREP promotes case-finding behaviour. This innovative approach allows for affordable and accessible screening for STIs, increasing the likelihood that women will seek testing and treatment.

Health Worker Involvement: YouREP leverages the expertise of health workers, including pharmacists and nurses, who act as ambassadors. These health workers play a critical role in providing education, screenings, and referrals, enhancing the quality and effectiveness of the initiative.

Cultural Sensitivity: YouREP prioritizes cultural sensitivity in its approach, recognizing that women's health choices are influenced by cultural norms and beliefs. This approach enhances the acceptability and effectiveness of the solution.

For YouREP, the impact goals for the next year and the next five years are as follows:

Next Year (2024):

Goal 1 - Awareness and Education: By the end of 2024, our primary goal is to ensure that at least 2,000 young women in sales and service occupations have received comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education through the YouREP health hubs. This education includes knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), safe sexual practices, and the importance of timely healthcare seeking.

Goal 2 - Screening and Case-Finding: We aim to facilitate the screening of at least 1,000 women for STIs, with a particular focus on viral STIs like HIV, hepatitis, and HPV. This goal will encourage case-finding behaviour among these women.

Goal 3 - Health Partnerships: Establish partnerships with at least five local pharmacies in proximity to the workplaces of our target population. These partnerships will provide affordable and accessible screening services and support rapid and effective treatment.

Next Five Years (2028):

Goal 1- Comprehensive Health Education: Over the next five years, YouREP aims to expand its reach and ensure that at least 15,000 young women have received comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education. This education will empower them to make informed choices and protect their health.

Goal 2 - Screening and Treatment: By 2028, our goal is to have facilitated the screening of at least 5,000 women for STIs. This will significantly contribute to early detection and treatment of STIs, ultimately reducing their prevalence and complications.

Goal 3 - Community Empowerment: Over the next five years, we aspire to create a network of empowered women who actively participate in their sexual and reproductive health decisions. At least 1,000 women from the target communities will be actively involved as YouREP ambassadors, educators, and leaders.

How We Plan to Achieve These Impact Goals:

1. Education and Outreach: YouREP will continue to deliver sexual and reproductive health education through its health hubs. This will involve community engagement, culturally sensitive content, and a tailored approach to reach women in sales and service occupations.

2. Partnerships: We will expand our pharmacy partnerships to reach more women, ensuring affordable screening services and referrals for treatment. Collaboration with local clinics and health facilities will also be a priority.

3. Community Involvement: We will actively engage the communities we serve, involving women in decision-making and the co-creation of YouREP programs. Their input and feedback will continue to shape our initiatives.

4. Data-Driven Approach: Data collection, analysis, and feedback mechanisms will play a central role in monitoring progress and adapting our programs to the evolving needs of the communities.

5. Empowerment: Empowering women to actively participate in their health decisions will be a continuous effort. We will encourage peer education and mentorship programs within the communities.

6. Tech Integration: Leveraging technology, we will explore digital tools for educational content delivery and telehealth services, expanding our reach to even more women in these occupations.

Why YouREP Expects to Have an Impact:

By delivering education directly at the women's workplaces, YouREP overcomes the barrier of busy work schedules, ensuring that knowledge reaches them where they are most comfortable.

 The Health Hubs and Pharmacy Partnerships create physical spaces for education, screenings, and treatment, reducing stigma and providing a supportive environment.

Involvement of women in program design, feedback mechanisms, and peer education fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment.

Ongoing data collection and community engagement Tailored Delivery allow for continuous adaptation and improvement of YouREP's services, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.

Immediate Outputs:

 Increased awareness and knowledge of sexual and reproductive health.

Affordable and accessible screening services available through pharmacy partnerships.

 Timely referral and treatment for women who test positive for STIs.

Longer-Term Outcomes:

 Reduction in the prevalence of STIs among young women in sales and service occupations.

 Lower rates of STI-related complications, including infertility and cancers.

 Enhanced maternal health and overall well-being among these women.

Increased community involvement and empowerment, as women become advocates and educators in their communities.

How YouREP Expects to Create Impact:

 1: Comprehensive Education Delivery

YouREP delivers sexual and reproductive health education to young women in sales and service occupations through health hubs located near their workplaces. This education is culturally sensitive, relevant, and tailored to their needs.

 2: Empowering Knowledge

 By providing women with information about STIs, safe sexual practices, and the importance of timely healthcare-seeking, YouREP empowers them to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

3: Creating Case-Finding Behavior

YouREP partners with local pharmacies to offer affordable screening services for STIs. By making these services accessible, YouREP encourages women to seek screening and detect STIs early.

 4: Rapid and Effective Treatment

For women who test positive for STIs, YouREP ensures they are rapidly referred to appropriate treatment facilities. This step helps in the timely initiation of life-saving treatment.

Full-time staff - 5

Part-time staff(Ambassadors/Volunteers) - 25

one year

YouREP is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity, and these principles are fundamental to our work:

Diversity in Leadership: Our leadership team is intentionally diverse in terms of gender and background. We believe that diversity in leadership enriches our perspective, fosters innovation, and ensures that our solution is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of communities.

Inclusivity in Design: In developing our solution, we actively engage with the communities we aim to serve. This engagement allows us to understand their unique needs, challenges, and aspirations. By involving women in the co-creation of our programs, we ensure that our initiatives are inclusive and culturally sensitive.

Equality in Access: Our core mission is to provide equitable access to sexual and reproductive health education and services. We aim to address disparities and eliminate systemic barriers that have prevented the full participation of marginalized groups, particularly young women in sales and service occupations.

Continuous Learning and Improvement: We are committed to continuous learning and growth in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As we expand and evolve, our team's goals include further diversifying our network of partners, supporters, and volunteers, with a focus on inclusivity.

Education and Awareness: We actively educate our team and partners on diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering an environment where all members are welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.

YouREP's business model is designed to create value both in terms of social impact and sustainability. Here's a breakdown of our business model:

Key Customers and Beneficiaries:

1. Young Women in Sales and Service Occupations: These are our primary beneficiaries. They are women in occupations like hairdressing/styling, baking/decoration, makeup/gele tying, chemist and auxiliary nursing, and tailoring.

2. Local Pharmacies: These are our partners in providing affordable screening services.

3. Local Communities: Our broader beneficiaries include the communities where these women reside and work.

Products and Services:

1. Comprehensive Sexual and Health Education: YouREP provides tailored sexual and reproductive health education to young women in the target occupations. This education is delivered through health hubs located near their workplaces.

2. Screening and Case-Finding Services : We partner with local pharmacies to offer affordable screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly viral STIs. This service aims to encourage case-finding behaviour among our target population.

3. Rapid Referral and Treatment : Women who test positive for STIs are referred to appropriate treatment facilities, ensuring timely access to life-saving treatment.

How We Provide These Products and Services:

I.  Education is delivered through YouREP health hubs, creating a physical space for learning and support.

 II. We actively engage women in the co-creation of programs to ensure the content is culturally sensitive and relevant.

III. Pharmacy partnerships are established to offer screening services in proximity to the women's workplaces.

III. Health workers, including pharmacists and nurses, are trained as YouREP ambassadors to provide education, screenings, and referrals.

Why Our Customers and Beneficiaries Want or Need These Products and Services:

 Young women in sales and service occupations lack comprehensive sexual and health education due to their busy schedules and limited access to preventive services. YouREP addresses this knowledge gap, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.

 Access to affordable screening services is a key need for these women, as it encourages early detection of STIs and timely treatment.

 Local communities benefit from reduced STI prevalence and its associated complications, leading to enhanced maternal health and overall well-being.

Revenue Generation:

YouREP aims to create a sustainable model by exploring partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and healthcare providers who can sponsor screening and treatment services.

 We are also actively seeking support from grant funding, philanthropic organizations, and corporate social responsibility initiatives to ensure the continuation of our work.

Sustainability: 

Our business model combines the social impact of education and access to healthcare services with partnerships that support these initiatives financially. This ensures that YouREP can continue its work and expand its reach to serve more young women in sales and service occupations.

YouREP's plan for becoming financially sustainable involves a combination of revenue streams to cover expected expenses and ensure the continuity and growth of our work. Here's how we intend to bring in money to fund our initiatives:

1. Grant Funding: We are actively seek grants from governmental and non-governmental organizations that support initiatives related to sexual and reproductive health, women's empowerment, and community well-being. These grants provide essential funding for our education, screening, and treatment programs.

2. Philanthropic Contributions:. We will engage with philanthropic individuals and organizations who share our vision and are willing to contribute to our cause. These contributions help support the delivery of services and the establishment of YouREP health hubs.

4. Fee-for-Service Contracts: While the core of our services is aimed at providing education, screenings, and referrals to women for free or at an affordable cost, we also explore fee-for-service contracts with government health agencies or healthcare providers. These contracts can cover the costs of screening services and create a sustainable revenue stream.

5. Social Impact Investment:. We consider seeking social impact investments from organizations and individuals who are interested in both financial returns and positive social outcomes. These investments can support the scaling of our programs.

6. Collaboration with NGOs and Healthcare Providers: We actively collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and healthcare providers who can sponsor screening and treatment services for our target population. Such collaborations can provide funding for specific programs.

7. Crowdfunding and Public Donations: We engage in crowdfunding campaigns and public donation drives to raise funds for specific initiatives or expansion efforts. These methods help create awareness and engage a wider community of supporters.

 8. Product Sales: As YouREP evolves, we may explore product sales, such as educational materials or merchandise related to sexual and reproductive health. The proceeds from these sales can contribute to our sustainability.

The combination of these revenue streams is designed to ensure that YouREP's expected expenses are covered. This financial sustainability plan allows us to not only maintain our current operations but also expand our reach to serve more young women in sales and service occupations, ultimately reducing the burden of sexually transmitted infections and enhancing their overall well-being