Cowrie

The pervasive issue of period poverty, which significantly affects the lives of millions of girls and women, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Period poverty is a multifaceted challenge that encompasses the lack of access to menstrual products, proper sanitation facilities, and good hygiene practices to manage menstruation with dignity. This issue has far-reaching consequences.

The Scale of the Problem

The scale of the period poverty problem in Sub-Saharan Africa and globally is staggering. Consider the following statistics and context:

On average, a woman spends approximately 10 years of her life menstruating. This starts around the age of 13 and continues until around the age of 53. A major contributing factor to period poverty is the high cost of sanitary materials, such as sanitary pads. In some regions, these products can cost around USD$2-3 for a packet of 10 pads. In economically vulnerable communities, many girls and women cannot afford these basic menstrual products.

Period poverty has a severe impact on girls' education. Due to the lack of access to menstrual products, girls frequently miss school or even drop out. This disrupts their education and perpetuates the cycle of gender inequality. Menstrual Health Management (MHM) is linked to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those related to physical health and psycho-social well-being, quality education, gender empowerment and equality, water and sanitation, sustainable cities, and responsible consumption and production. The lack of MHM hinders progress toward these goals.

Period poverty is not a localized issue. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reports that 1 in 10 girls in Africa miss school due to their periods. This problem extends far beyond Africa and affects girls and women in economically vulnerable communities worldwide.

Cowrie is an innovative digital platform that empowers girls in need to access menstrual products and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services using just a basic cellphone, without requiring an internet connection. In simple terms, Cowrie acts as a digital gift registry for these essential items.

How It Works:

1. Requesting Assistance: Girls in underserved communities can use their basic cellphones to send a request for menstrual products and SRHR services via SMS or text message. This process is straightforward and does not require internet access.
2. Listing Their Needs: Through the Cowrie platform, girls can specify the type and quantity of menstrual products they require, ensuring their needs are accurately documented.
3. Well-Wishers Portal: These requests are then displayed on the "Well-Wishers Portal," which is accessible to donors, funders, and individuals who wish to support these girls. This portal serves as a bridge between those in need and those willing to help.
4. Donor Contributions: Donors can view the requests on the Well-Wishers Portal and send the necessary funds to fulfill the requests directly. This can be done using their mobile phones, making the process accessible to a wide range of individuals.
5. Local Vendors: Once the funds are received, Cowrie collaborates with local vendors and suppliers within the girls' communities. These vendors fulfill the orders, ensuring that the menstrual products and SRHR services are readily available and accessible.
6. Efficient Delivery: By leveraging the power of mobile technology, Cowrie streamlines the delivery process, making it both efficient and cost-effective. The platform connects local businesses and girls in need, facilitating quick and accurate delivery.

Technology Used:
Cowrie harnesses the increasing mobile phone penetration throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, which is a key element of its success. According to GSMA’s Mobile Economy Report Series, 84% of the population (1 billion people) will have access to a SIM connection by 2025, a 3.7% increase from 2017. The platform capitalizes on the fact that many individuals, including those in low-income households, have access to basic cellphones. 

Here's how Cowrie leverages technology:

• Mobile Connectivity: Cowrie operates through basic cellphone, making it accessible to a broad demographic. This simplifies the process for girls to request assistance and for donors to contribute.
• No Internet Required: The platform uses USSD technology that does not rely on Internet access, ensuring that even those in remote or underserved areas can participate in the system.
• Efficient Donor Interaction: Cowrie provides a seamless way for donors to support girls' needs using their mobile phones, creating a peer-to-peer ecosystem. This technology-driven approach increases participation and inclusivity.
• Local Vendor Engagement: Cowrie connects with local vendors and suppliers within the girls' communities, optimizing the distribution of menstrual products and SRHR services. This approach helps the local economy by supporting businesses within the region.

In essence, Cowrie leverages the growing mobile phone penetration in Sub-Saharan Africa to create an accessible, efficient, and transparent platform that connects those in need with those who wish to help.

Cowrie serves a target population of girls and women in underserved communities, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa, who are facing the challenges of period poverty and limited access to essential Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services. We have started in 4 slum areas in Lusaka Zambia namely Chipata, Chawama, Matero and Kanyama. These individuals are currently underserved and often marginalized due to financial constraints and a lack of access to proper menstrual hygiene management.

Cowrie specifically targets communities in low-income and rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa where poverty rates are high, access to menstrual products is limited, and proper sanitation and healthcare facilities are lacking.

Challenges Faced

1. Limited Access to Menstrual Products: Many girls in underserved communities face a significant challenge in acquiring menstrual hygiene products due to their high cost. Sanitary pads, for example, can be unaffordable for these families, leading to makeshift solutions or unhygienic practices such as old rugs and leaves.
2. Impact on Education: Period poverty has a severe impact on education. Girls often miss school during their menstruation cycles due to the lack of access to sanitary materials and the stigma associated with menstruation. This disrupts their educational journey and contributes to gender disparities in education.
3. Health Risks: The use of inadequate or unhygienic materials during menstruation can lead to various health risks, including infections. Lack of access to SRHR services compounds these risks.

How Cowrie Addresses Their Needs

1. Efficient Access to Menstrual Products: Cowrie's platform enables girls and women to request and receive menstrual products efficiently. Through simple cellphone, they can specify their requirements, ensuring they receive the necessary materials for proper menstrual hygiene management.
2. Educational Opportunities: By providing access to menstrual products, Cowrie contributes to reducing school absenteeism among girls. This directly addresses one of the major challenges faced by the target population, enabling them to stay in school and complete their education.
3. Healthier Practices: Cowrie's solution encourages the adoption of healthier menstrual hygiene practices. By ensuring the availability of proper products, it helps mitigate the health risks associated with unhygienic practices.

In summary, Cowrie serves a target population of girls and women in underserved communities who face significant barriers due to period poverty and limited access to SRHR services. The platform directly impacts their lives by providing efficient access to menstrual products, reducing school absenteeism, promoting healthier practices, and fostering empowerment and economic growth. Cowrie's solution addresses the critical needs of this demographic, offering a path to a brighter, more equitable future.

Samukhele is exceptionally well-positioned to deliver Cowrie due to her unique combination of skills, experiences, and dedication to social impact. 

• Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Samukhele is a young entrepreneur and social innovator with a strong commitment to creating positive social change. Her past endeavours, such as being a top 10 finalist in the  SAP Social Shifters global innovation challenge in 2021, demonstrate her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to solving real-world problems.

• Experience in Girls' and Women's Empowerment: Samukhele's involvement in Meyana Foundation, a women-led non-profit focused on empowering girls and women through technology, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), and entrepreneurial skills training, underscores her dedication to the cause. Her experience in empowering girls and women makes her well-equipped to lead a project like Cowrie.
• Vision and Dedication: Samukhele's vision for Cowrie includes eliminating period poverty and promoting STEAM education which is both holistic and ambitious. Her dedication to these causes is evident in her past and ongoing initiatives.

To understand and address the needs of the communities Cowrie is serving, it's essential to prioritize community engagement and involvement throughout the solution's development and implementation. Here are several strategies for meaningful engagement with these communities:

1. Community Surveys and Needs Assessment: Cowrie conducted and will continue to conduct surveys and needs assessments within the target communities. We collected data on their specific needs, preferences, and challenges related to menstrual hygiene, access to SRHR services, and other essential goods and services. 
2. Local Partnerships: We collaborated with local organizations, NGOs, and community leaders who have established connections within the target communities. They have provided valuable insights and helped bridge cultural and linguistic gaps. 
3. Local Advisory Committees: We are establishing local advisory committees consisting of community representatives. These committees will provide ongoing guidance, monitor the project's progress, and advocate for the community's interests.
4. Education and Awareness Programs: The Cowrie team will partner with organisations that conduct educational programs to raise awareness about menstrual health, hygiene, and SRHR. These programs can help address the stigma and misinformation surrounding these topics.
5. Feedback Mechanisms: We will implement feedback mechanisms, such as toll-free hotlines or SMS-based feedback systems, that allow community members to express their concerns, suggestions, and experiences with the Cowrie platform.
6. Regular Community Meetings: Organize regular community meetings to provide updates on Cowrie's progress and gather feedback. This ensures that the platform remains responsive to changing community needs.

By actively involving the target communities in every stage of Cowrie's development and implementation, the platform can be more responsive to their specific needs, ensuring that it aligns with their input, ideas, and agendas. This collaborative approach fosters trust, ownership, and sustainability, ultimately leading to a more effective and impactful solution.

Cowrie's development has included the prototype development, testing, and partnerships, which demonstrates that it has evolved beyond a concept into a tangible prototype with real-world potential. Here are the key aspects that indicate Cowrie's transition from a concept to a prototype:

1. Previous Prototype Development: A prototype was developed in 2022, signifying a concrete attempt to bring the concept to life. While it was unfortunate that the initial version was lost due to a system crash, the fact that a prototype was previously created showcases the project's viability.
2. Ongoing Development: The work on the second version of the Cowrie prototype, set to be reviewed and tested by October 23rd, reflects a continued commitment to refining and advancing the solution. This ongoing development shows that Cowrie is progressing beyond the idea stage.
3. Partnership with Dawa Health: Signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dawa Health to leverage its network of community workers for mobilization is a concrete step towards operationalizing Cowrie. This partnership indicates that practical steps are being taken to integrate the solution into existing networks.
4. On-the-Ground Surveys: Conducting surveys in the target communities to assess the needs of girls and young women is a critical action that directly connects the project with the realities on the ground. This data-driven approach ensures that Cowrie is responsive to the specific needs of the beneficiaries.
5. Merchant/Vendor Engagement: Identifying and engaging local merchants and vendors who are willing to sign up for the platform signifies a strategic move toward the implementation of Cowrie. This engagement demonstrates that there is interest and potential for partnerships within the local business community.
6. User Testing: The upcoming review and testing of the second version of Cowrie are essential steps in the development process. User feedback and testing results will provide valuable insights into the solution's functionality and usability.

In summary, the fact that a prototype existed in 2022, ongoing development work, a partnership with Dawa Health, on-the-ground surveys, and engagement with local merchants all contribute to the evidence that Cowrie has advanced from being just a concept to a prototype. These actions demonstrate a commitment to turning the idea into a practical, functional solution with the potential to make a real impact. The development of the Cowrie business model further solidifies its transition from a concept to a tangible prototype. 

Cowrie's innovative approach to addressing period poverty and providing access to SRHR products and services leverages USSD technology and a unique business model. Cowrie stands out as an innovative solution because it is accessible using feature phones. This inclusivity is crucial in regions where smartphone penetration is limited, ensuring that even those with less advanced mobile devices can access the service. 

Cowrie's platform does not rely on internet access, making it a robust solution for communities with unreliable or no internet connectivity. This ensures that girls can access menstrual products and vital SRHR information even in remote or underserved areas.

Cowrie's unique business model addresses the critical issue of period poverty in a new and innovative way. It streamlines the process by connecting girls in need with local merchants, optimizing existing supply chains, and facilitating quick, cost-effective access to menstrual products. The USSD-based platform and innovative business model can be easily scaled to reach a broader audience and address other essential needs beyond menstrual products. Cowrie's potential for growth and adaptability positions it as a transformative solution with the capacity to catalyze positive impacts in the space of menstrual health and SRHR.

Thus, Cowrie's innovative approach to addressing period poverty combines USSD technology, a user-friendly platform, and a unique business model. It not only provides a practical solution for girls in need but also has the potential to catalyze positive changes in the way essential services are delivered and accessed, particularly in regions with limited digital infrastructure.

Next Year (Year 1)

1. Reach: 

In the first year, Cowrie aims to reach a substantial number of girls and young women in target regions, providing menstrual products and SRHR services.

• Strategy: Onboard local merchants, mobilize beneficiaries through community workers, and expand reach via strategic partnerships.

2. Usage: 

Increase platform usage, ensuring Cowrie becomes a trusted source for menstrual products and SRHR information.

• Strategy: Implement user engagement and retention strategies, offer incentives, and maintain high service quality.

3. Feedback and Adaptation: Continuously improve the platform by collecting beneficiary feedback.

• Strategy: Conduct regular surveys and feedback sessions to drive iterative enhancements.

4. Local Economic Impact: Monitor the positive impact on local merchants and businesses.

• Strategy: Track sales and business growth, encourage merchant promotion of Cowrie.

5. Partnership Expansion: Form strategic partnerships to amplify Cowrie's impact.

• Strategy: Seek out organizations with shared goals, collaborate to increase outreach.

Next Five Years (Year 2 to Year 6)

1. Scaling Reach:

Over the next five years, focus on expanding Cowrie's reach to more regions and countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

• Strategy: Expand the USSD platform to additional mobile networks and replicate the model with local partners.

2. Diversity of Services: Diversify the services offered to address essential needs beyond menstrual products.

•  Strategy: Identify complementary services, like educational support or vocational training.

3. Impact Measurement: Establish comprehensive impact measurement systems to track long-term effects on beneficiaries' lives.

• Strategy: Collaborate with research institutions and experts for robust impact assessment.

4. Financial Sustainability: Achieve financial sustainability by diversifying revenue streams and exploring innovative funding models.

• Strategy: Explore microfinancing, CSR partnerships, and grant opportunities for long-term financial stability.

5. Global Replication: Consider replicating the Cowrie model in regions facing similar challenges related to menstrual health and SRHR.

• Strategy: Share best practices and lessons to support similar initiatives worldwide.

6. Community Leadership: Foster leadership within served communities, empowering girls and young women to become advocates.

• Strategy: Implement mentorship and leadership programs for beneficiaries.

By working towards these impact goals, Cowrie creates meaningful change for underserved communities, addressing period poverty and contributing to empowerment and well-being.

Cowrie's theory of change is grounded in the belief that providing girls with access to menstrual products and SRHR services through a user-friendly USSD platform can lead to immediate and intermediate outcomes that ultimately empower them, improve their education, and foster gender equality. These long-term outcomes not only benefit the girls but also the communities in which they live.

Immediate Outputs:

1. USSD-Based Platform: Cowrie provides an accessible USSD-based platform that allows girls to request menstrual products and SRHR services using basic mobile phones. The immediate output is the availability of this technology-driven solution.
2. Local Merchant Engagement: Cowrie partners with local merchants and businesses to fulfil the orders placed by girls. This ensures that the requested products are readily available in the local community.
3. User Engagement: Cowrie focuses on engaging users effectively to encourage frequent platform usage, ensuring that girls are comfortable and satisfied with the services provided.
4. Community Mobilization: Cowrie collaborates with community workers to mobilize beneficiaries, making them aware of the platform's existence and the support it offers.

Intermediate Outcomes:

1. Improved Access: Through Cowrie, girls gain improved access to menstrual products, which were previously beyond their reach due to financial constraints. This leads to a direct improvement in their menstrual health management.
2. Reduced School Absenteeism: Enhanced access to menstrual products means that girls are less likely to miss school due to their periods. As a result, educational outcomes improve.
3. Enhanced Dignity: By providing a means for girls to manage their menstrual health with dignity, Cowrie contributes to their overall well-being and self-esteem.
4. Economic Growth at the Local Level: Engaging local merchants results in increased sales and business growth, positively impacting the local economy.

Long-Term Outcomes:

1. Empowered Girls and Women: As girls access menstrual products and SRHR services through Cowrie, they become more empowered and informed about their well-being and rights. This empowerment leads to a range of long-term outcomes.
2. Improved Education: Reduced school absenteeism ensures that girls stay in school, complete their education, and have better prospects for the future.
3. Community Development: A community with well-educated and empowered girls is likely to thrive, with the potential for improved social and economic development.
4. Health and Well-being: Girls and young women who can manage their menstrual health effectively are more likely to lead healthy lives, free from the health risks associated with inadequate menstrual hygiene.
5. Local Economic Growth: Supporting local merchants through Cowrie leads to sustained business growth and employment opportunities in the community.

We have a team of 4: One full-time, 2 part-time and one contractor.

We have been working on Cowrie for 3 years.

Cowrie is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusivity in both its operations and its goals to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

1. Diverse Hiring Practices: Cowrie is committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities it serves. This includes actively seeking candidates from various backgrounds, including gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, to create a diverse workforce.
2. Partnering with Local Communities: Cowrie collaborates with local communities to ensure that the platform is accessible and relevant to their specific needs. This approach promotes inclusivity and a community-driven solution.
3. User-Centered Design: Cowrie incorporates user feedback into the design and improvement of its platform. Engaging with the actual beneficiaries helps ensure that the solution meets their unique requirements, promoting equity and inclusivity.
4. Tailored Solutions: Cowrie recognizes that different communities have distinct challenges and requirements. It tailors its approach to address the specific needs of each community, ensuring an equitable and inclusive response.
5. Gender Equality: As a femtech solution, Cowrie actively promotes gender equality. It addresses a critical gender-specific challenge, period poverty, while empowering girls and women to lead more equitable lives.
6. Cultural Sensitivity: Cowrie respects and acknowledges the cultural diversity within the communities it serves. The platform's approach is culturally sensitive to ensure that it aligns with local norms and practices.
7. Advocacy and Education: Cowrie is not only a service provider but also an advocate for menstrual health, gender equality, and inclusion. It seeks to raise awareness about these issues, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
8. Collaboration: Cowrie collaborates with local NGOs, governmental agencies, and community organizations to leverage their expertise and strengthen its impact. These partnerships further enhance the diversity and inclusivity of its initiatives.
9. Accessibility: Cowrie ensures its platform is accessible to those with disabilities and those who may not have advanced technology. Its USSD-based solution is designed to reach individuals with basic mobile phones, eliminating technology-based barriers.
10. Monitoring and Evaluation: Cowrie aims to continuously monitor and evaluate its impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion. This data-driven approach enables it to make evidence-based adjustments to its strategies.

Cowrie's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity is not just a goal; it's an integral part of its mission. By embracing these principles, Cowrie aims to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of the girls and women it serves, fostering more equitable and inclusive communities in the process.

Cowrie operates on a sustainable and innovative business model that provides value to both its target populations and generates revenue. This model is designed to address period poverty and improve menstrual health management while ensuring financial sustainability.

Key Customers and Beneficiaries

1. Girls and Young Women: These are the primary beneficiaries, as Cowrie empowers them to access menstrual products and SRHR services. They need these products for safe and dignified menstrual health management.
2. Local Merchants: Local businesses in underserved areas act as key customers. They benefit from increased sales and profits as they fulfill orders placed by girls through the Cowrie platform.
3. Donors and Well-wishers: The donors and well-wishers will be the customers of the Cowrie platform. Providing the funds to sustain the platform.

Products and Services

1. USSD-Based Platform: Cowrie provides an accessible USSD-based platform that allows girls to request menstrual products and SRHR services using basic mobile phones. This platform is designed for those who do not have access to smartphones or the internet.
2. Community Mobilization: Cowrie collaborates with community workers to mobilize beneficiaries, making them aware of the platform's existence and the support it offers. This service is essential for reaching girls in remote areas.

Value to Beneficiaries

• Improved Access: Cowrie ensures girls have access to menstrual products, improving their menstrual health management.
• Reduced School Absenteeism: Enhanced access means girls are less likely to miss school due to their periods, contributing to improved education.
• Enhanced Dignity: Cowrie empowers girls to manage their menstrual health with dignity, which positively impacts their self-esteem and overall well-being.

Revenue Generation
Cowrie generates revenue through a fee structure that incorporates a percentage of each transaction. When users place orders for menstrual products and services through the platform, a small fee is applied, typically a percentage of the total order cost. This fee contributes to the financial sustainability of Cowrie.

Sustainability and Scalability
The business model is designed for scalability, as it taps into the existing mobile network infrastructure, ensuring cost-effective operations. The use of USSD technology minimizes barriers to entry and supports the platform's accessibility in low-resource settings.

Cowrie's business model combines social impact with financial sustainability. It serves as a valuable solution for girls and young women who need access to menstrual products while also fostering economic growth at the local level through its partnerships with merchants. This model not only addresses the critical issue of period poverty but also creates a self-sustaining ecosystem that benefits both its beneficiaries and local businesses.

Cowrie's financial sustainability is underpinned by a multi-faceted approach that combines various revenue streams, ensuring the organization can cover its expected expenses and maintain its impactful operations. These strategies include:

1. Transaction Fees: Cowrie charges a small fee for each transaction made on its platform. When girls and young women request menstrual products and SRHR services, a percentage of the total order cost is applied as a transaction fee. This fee structure ensures that Cowrie generates revenue with each service provided, contributing to its sustainability.
2. Revenue-Sharing Models: Cowrie can establish revenue-sharing models with local merchants and vendors who fulfill orders placed through the platform. These partners share a portion of their revenue with Cowrie, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement.
3. Corporate Partnerships: Cowrie can explore partnerships with corporations that align with its mission. These partnerships might involve financial support, in-kind contributions, or co-branded initiatives. Companies with a focus on gender equality and social impact are potential collaborators.
4. Philanthropic Support: While Cowrie aims for financial sustainability, it can still seek donations and grants from philanthropic organizations and foundations that support its cause. These funds can help cover operational expenses and expand its reach.
5. Government Contracts: Cowrie can explore partnerships with government agencies to provide SRHR services and menstrual products to underserved communities. Government contracts can provide a steady source of income for the organization.
6. Investment Capital: As Cowrie expands its operations and explores new markets, it can consider raising investment capital from impact investors, venture capitalists, or social impact funds. These investments can be used to scale the platform and reach more beneficiaries.
7. Product Diversification: Besides menstrual products, Cowrie can expand its range of offerings to include other essential goods and services, creating new revenue streams.

By diversifying its revenue streams and pursuing a combination of earned income, partnerships, and support from various sources, Cowrie can work toward becoming financially sustainable. This sustainability will ensure the organization's long-term ability to address period poverty and promote menstrual health in disadvantaged communities.