SexualidApp sin tabú (SexualityApp without taboos)

The problem we are addressing is the high levels of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents aged 10 to 17 in Mexico, particularly in our communities in Guanajuato, Mexico. 

Statistics indicate that the vast majority of these adolescents (97%) are aware of at least one contraceptive method. However, more than half of them do not use any contraceptive method during their first sexual encounter.

The problem reveals that having basic information about contraceptive methods is not sufficient to educate and empower young people about their sexual and reproductive health. 

This is because Mexico faces a significant lag in sexual education due to taboos, myths, and misinformation. The lack of sexual education primarily stems from the deeply ingrained macho culture that restricts communication about these topics. 

Machismo consists of a set of beliefs, values, and behaviors that assert male superiority over females, leading to their subordination. This not only affects women but also society as a whole. In the context of power dynamics, submission, and prohibition, the lack of information gives rise to taboos that persist for generations. These beliefs act as barriers to truthful and preventative sexual health information.

Some of the reasons for not using contraceptives are also sociocultural beliefs. Many young people express concerns about not feeling the same during sexual intercourse, mentioning issues like losing their erections or perceiving condom use as a lack of trust or a sign of promiscuity. 

Culturally, it is machismo that permeates our behaviors, manifesting as a set of gender roles and behaviors where women are subordinated by men. For example, there is a belief that girls are destined to be mothers, have only one partner, and it's their responsibility to care for the family, while men can choose to have multiple partners.

Additionally, there are language and communication style barriers. Many resources and more effective communication channels to empower young people are not available in the local language, Spanish, and are not designed to use the same modalities and communication methods suitable for the adolescents in our communities.

We also take into account that the educational system in Mexico provides very few comprehensive sexual education programs. Young people receive only basic guidance that, in most cases, often boils down to messages like "don't get pregnant" or "don't get infected."

In 2021, according to birth statistics from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), 110,801 Mexican girls and adolescents (aged 10 to 17) carried their pregnancies to term. This represents a rate of 571 births per 100,000 minors and an average of 303 births to mothers under 18 years old every day. This currently places Mexico at the top of the list of countries with the highest rates of pregnancies in girls and adolescent women.

Young people in Mexico typically begin their sexual lives between the ages of 15 and 19, on average. In the state of Guanajuato, approximately 71% of women used their first contraceptive method after they had already given birth to at least one child.

Our program already offers in-person and WhatsApp services to provide information and consultations on sexual and reproductive health topics.

However, our scalable solution aims to offer our services and resources through a mobile app that possesses the following features:

Features:

• In Spanish with a Mexican and Guanajuato-specific communication style. Communication that resonates with the local culture in Guanajuato.
• Private and anonymous chat for consultations.
• Users can engage in private and anonymous conversations to seek information and guidance.
• Users' public profiles are anonymous and gender-neutral. User profiles do not reveal personal information or gender to ensure anonymity and privacy.
• Free to use and compatible with different operating systems.** The application is free of charge and compatible with different operating systems, ensuring accessibility for a wide user base.
• Regular security maintenance and testing. The application undergoes regular security checks and maintenance to protect user data and privacy.

Services:

• Prioritizes topics related to taboos and public opinions to identify myths.
• The app focuses on addressing taboos and common misconceptions related to sexual health and reproductive matters.
• Engaging and interactive multimedia content such as videos and quizzes. It includes multimedia content such as videos and quizzes to educate and engage users effectively.
• Group discussions on taboo topics where users can speak openly.Users can engage in group discussions on taboo topics, creating a space for open and honest conversations.
• A map with locations of our existing kiosks offering free condoms, emergency contraceptive pill coupons, pregnancy tests, HIV/Syphilis tests, IUD, and implant applications.
• Posting events to meet with peers, participate in our forums, and engage in our regular community activities.
• Private chat for girls, signups are in-person, to create a community space exclusively for girls and adolescent females.

Primarily, our target audience consists of adolescents and young individuals from vulnerable communities and neighborhoods near San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico. This includes adolescents in secondary schools, high schools, and anyone of reproductive age.

Throughout our work in these communities, we have observed a significant lack of discussions about sexuality at home. The information provided in schools is often inadequate for individuals to fully exercise their rights. Many crucial topics, such as self-care, rights, and even issues related to violence, are not adequately addressed and are often normalized.

Accessing and leaving these communities is particularly challenging for residents due to the limited availability of public transportation. This situation makes it difficult for them to reach San Miguel, and the return journey can be time-consuming. Although the distance by private car may not be significant, accessing or leaving these communities for other services is complicated because of the scarcity of public transportation and ineffective communication networks, especially in areas with poor cell phone coverage.

Delivering comprehensive sexual education information and providing free family planning counseling and services plays a vital role in dispelling misinformation. This approach increases the likelihood that adolescents and young people can improve their quality of life and seize more opportunities.

• The creation of a mobile app with educational content on sexuality topics can significantly expand our reach and effectively complement the work we are already conducting in these communities. This allows us to reach remote and hard-to-access areas.
• By residing on a personal device, young people can access this content immediately and confidentially, a convenience not easily achieved when discussing such sensitive topics with unfamiliar individuals in person.

The Community Health Program (PSC) is part of the Center for Adolescents of San Miguel de Allende, A.C. (CASA) and has been active in the neighborhoods and communities of San Miguel de Allende for forty years. It is composed of community promoters who are the backbone of the association.

PSC employs a peer-to-peer model, utilizing a network of over 50 volunteers responsible for managing family planning warehouses, promoting sexual education, and participating in the organization of recreational and cultural events. This approach aims to reach a broader audience for our services.

Currently, the small professional team of PSC works consistently in educational centers and communities in San Miguel de Allende. In these intervention areas, we engage with community representatives to understand their needs and the issues they face. We provide informative talks tailored to these needs and interact with young people. We offer a contact number where they can reach out to us if they have questions they don't want to voice at that moment, to avoid feeling exposed or for any future needs. Many individuals feel more comfortable using WhatsApp because they don't feel as observed. We strive to maintain contact with people, whether they are users of sexual education, seeking guidance, or requiring contraceptives. When users become more involved, we involve them in our community of volunteers.

The Center for Adolescents of San Miguel de Allende, A.C. (CASA) is a legally constituted nonprofit organization in Mexico. Since 1981, CASA has been dedicated to improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable populations through interventions in health, education, and culture. CASA promotes respect for human rights with a gender perspective.

In 2023, the Community Health Program has provided information to 500 students, and counseling to over 100 young people through our emergency hotline and in person. We have conducted 62 HIV and syphilis tests and distributed 103,662 male condoms, 187 female condoms, 198 emergency contraception pills (PAE), and 159 lubricants for free. We have established a collective for the LGBT+ community, which is currently composed of 13 individuals who meet weekly. Additionally, we have offered 80 family planning counseling sessions, administered 149 subdermal implants, and inserted 66 IUDs through our affiliated health clinic.

Our solution is to innovate within the context of our country's culture and how information about sexual health is shared to young people. The app concept is not innovative, but rather the content and approach. 

Culturally tailored communication: Our application is designed with a specific focus on the Mexican and Guanajuato culture, offering a style of communication that resonates with the local population. This cultural sensitivity is often lacking in traditional healthcare and educational approaches.

Anonymity and confidentiality: By providing private and anonymous chat options, we empower users to seek information and guidance without fear of judgment or exposure. This approach goes beyond traditional in-person consultations, which can be intimidating and stigmatizing.

Comprehensive education: We will host open forums for taboo discussions, to address myths, and promote open conversations about sensitive topics, a significant departure from one-dimensional educational methods.

Inclusivity and accessibility: Our application will be free to use, cross-platform compatible, and emphasize gender-free user profiles. This ensures inclusivity and accessibility for a wide range of users, eliminating financial and technological barriers.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, with a Focus on Reducing Unwanted Pregnancies and STDs:

Our mobile app aims to reduce unwanted pregnancies and the spread of
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among adolescents and young people
in Guanajuato, contributing to improved health and well-being.

SDG 10: Reduced inequalities: Our focus on ensuring that our app is accessible to all, regardless of gender, socio-economic status, or background, helps reduce inequalities. By providing a platform that bridges gaps in access to sexual and reproductive health information.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals: Collaborating with local organizations, schools, and community members to implement our mobile app fosters partnerships that contribute to the achievement of all SDGs. By working together, we can amplify the impact of our efforts and create a network of stakeholders dedicated to improving health, well-being, and equality in the region.

Why it will make a difference: 

1. Empowerment: By providing knowledge and a platform for open dialogue, we empower adolescents and young people to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. This empowerment is crucial in reducing unwanted pregnancies and the spread of STDs.

2. Myth dispelling: Through open discussions and multimedia content, we challenge common myths and misconceptions about sexual health. When young individuals have accurate information, they are less likely to make risky choices.

3. Reduced stigma: Our platform reduces the stigma associated with discussions about sexual health. This encourages more individuals to seek help and information without fear of judgment.

4. Improved access: By providing information and resources in a user-friendly, cross-platform mobile app, we ensure accessibility for a wide user base, even in communities with limited access to traditional healthcare services.

Expected Impact: Through this approach, we expect to see increased knowledge, reduced stigma, and more open conversations about sexual health. 

In the longer term, we anticipate outcomes such as a decrease in unwanted pregnancies and a reduction in STD transmission rates. 

There are four of us leading the concept design of the solution. We plan to outsource two to three external service providers to help us with the design and IT operational management of the app. 

We have been working on the concept of the app for the past two months. 

Our non-profit has been running our Community Health Program for over 40 years, it was a core program since the organization was founded in 1981.

Incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity is at the heart of our

mission and approach. We recognize that to effectively address the
complex issue of sexual and reproductive health among adolescents and
young people in Guanajuato, our work must reflect the diversity and
inclusivity of the communities we serve.

Given that our program has been around for over 40 years, we have built trust and consistency in our community. 

Our business model is based on our existing model for the different services that we have been already offering for the past 40 years. 

Seed funding:
We recognize the need for an initial investment to kickstart our project. This seed funding will be crucial for developing the mobile app, designing its features, and conducting the necessary research and pilot programs. This initial investment will allow us to create a strong foundation for our initiative.

Donations:
To sustain our operations and expand our reach, we will actively seek donations from individuals, organizations, and foundations that share our commitment to improving sexual and reproductive health. Donations will help cover ongoing operational costs, including technology maintenance, content development, and outreach activities.

Expert volunteer services:
We believe in the power of collaboration and volunteerism. To optimize our resources, we will actively seek expert volunteers who can contribute their skills and knowledge to our project. These volunteers will play a crucial role in app development, content creation, and community engagement. By harnessing the expertise of volunteers, we can stretch our resources further.

Local partnerships:
Collaboration with local organizations and educational institutions is fundamental to our success. We will work closely with local partners to co-create and co-implement our initiatives. These partnerships will not only provide additional resources but also ensure that our approach is culturally sensitive and aligned with the needs of the community.

We plan to leverage a combination of funding sources and partnerships to create a sustainable and impactful initiative. Here's a breakdown of our business model:

Seed funding We recognize the need for an initial investment to kickstart our project. This seed funding will be crucial for developing the mobile app, designing its features, and conducting the necessary research and pilot programs. 

Donations To sustain our operations and expand our reach, we will actively seek donations from individuals, organizations, and foundations that share our commitment to improving sexual and reproductive health. Donations will help cover ongoing operational costs, including technology maintenance, content development, and outreach activities.

We have some funding available from existing donations, but it cannot yet be allocated for the development of the app. 

Expert volunteer services: We believe in the power of collaboration and volunteerism. To optimize our resources, we will actively seek expert volunteers who can contribute their skills and knowledge to our project. 

This is how we have operated in the last 40 years. 

Local partnerships: Collaboration with local organizations and educational institutions is fundamental to our success. We will work closely with local partners to co-create and co-implement our initiative. These partnerships will not only provide additional resources but also ensure that our approach is culturally sensitive and aligned with the needs of the community.