MEDEME

MEDEME seeks to address the pressing issue of financial and digital exclusion among rural women in Adjohoun, Benin. The problem stems from various factors such as limited access to traditional banking services, lack of financial literacy, and insufficient digital infrastructure in rural areas.

In Adjohoun, as in many rural communities in Benin and globally, a significant portion of the population, particularly women, face barriers to accessing formal financial services. According to data from the World Bank, only 35% of adults in Benin have a bank account, with rural areas experiencing even lower rates of financial inclusion. This lack of access to basic financial services restricts women's ability to save money securely, access credit for entrepreneurial ventures, and engage in digital transactions.

Furthermore, the digital divide exacerbates the problem, as rural areas often lack adequate internet connectivity and digital literacy programs. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), approximately 12% of the population in Benin has access to the internet. However, there are significant disparities in access between rural areas and urban centers. In urban areas, household internet access stands between 70% and 88%, while in rural areas, it ranges from 37% to 78%2. This discrepancy highlights the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing online resources and services.

Currently, only 16% of the adult population in rural areas has a mobile money account. These factors contribute to a cycle of poverty and economic marginalization among rural women, limiting their opportunities for income generation and economic empowerment. MEDEME recognizes that addressing these challenges requires holistic solutions that combine financial education, access to digital tools, and community empowerment initiatives.

Our organization SOTON MEDEME which is currently in the process on getting registered as a nonprofit organization has put in place in the past some solutions in rural communities to advance women economic development. MEDEME's solution aims to leverage technology and community-based approaches to bridge the gap in financial and digital inclusion. By providing tailored financial literacy training, facilitating access to mobile banking services, and promoting the use of digital platforms for income generation, MEDEME seeks to empower rural women in Adjohoun to build sustainable livelihoods and improve their economic well-being by using proven and existing saving application developed by Dreamstartlabs. Using digital and existing solutions and adding value to it allows MEDEME’s approach to reach its targets and avoid months in developing solution-like tools. This approach has been used on some women groups and it was successful as they use an application Dreamsave developed by Dreamstartlabs to bridge financial and digital divides. DreamSave™ is a powerful FinTech app for informal community banks and savings groups. DreamSave makes it easy for groups to manage financial records, achieve savings goals, build credit history, and connect to formal financial services. MEDEME then seeks to add safe and mobile transfer to the use of this application by facilitating access to savings accounts through mobile money to women groups.

Women will be put in groups and each group will have access to tablets with the Dreamsave application on it. Financial instructors will facilitate lessons on financial and digital inclusion, entrepreneurship and leadership so as women acquire the needed skills. To put in practice their learnings, seed fundings will be provided to the groups for them to put in place Income Generating Activities (IGA).

 A sim card will be purchased with a service provider that will be linked to a bank account. This system will allow women groups to open their savings accounts and make transactions (deposit and withdrawal) within their communities using the system of mobile money. 

Our solution, MEDEME, primarily serves 2500 rural women in Adjohoun, Benin, who face significant barriers to accessing financial services and digital tools. These women represent a marginalized demographic, often lacking access to traditional banking services, financial education, and opportunities for economic empowerment. They will form 100 women groups to benefit from the solution. 

The target population includes women of various ages and backgrounds who are engaged in diverse economic activities such as farming, small-scale entrepreneurship, and household management. Many of these women are the primary breadwinners in their families, yet they are underserved by existing financial institutions and face limited opportunities for income generation and wealth accumulation. Indirectly, the solution looks to impact the lives of 75 000 people within the community. 

Currently, these women rely on informal savings mechanisms, such as community savings groups or storing money at home, which may lack security and offer limited growth potential. They also have limited access to digital tools and resources, hindering their ability to participate in the digital economy and access financial services remotely.

Our solution, MEDEME, aims to address these challenges by providing a user-friendly mobile application that offers a range of financial services and educational resources tailored to the needs of rural women. Through MEDEME, women can:

1. Access Banking Services: MEDEME enables women to open savings accounts, apply for microloans, and conduct basic banking transactions conveniently from their mobile devices. This access to formal financial services empowers women to save money securely, access credit for business ventures, and manage their finances more effectively.

2. Receive Financial Education: MEDEME provides interactive financial literacy content, including tutorials and practical tips, to improve women's understanding of financial concepts and promote informed decision-making. By building their financial capabilities, women can make better choices about budgeting, saving, and investing in their future.

3. Connect with Peers: MEDEME fosters a sense of community among users, enabling women to connect with others facing similar challenges and share knowledge, experiences, and support. This peer-to-peer network enhances social cohesion an

Our team is uniquely positioned to deliver the MEDEME solution to rural women in Adjohoun because we have deep connections and a strong understanding of the target population's needs, challenges, and aspirations, having implemented projects on socio-professional development of schooled young women. We are not only familiar with the communities we serve but some team members are also members of the community, making us well-equipped to design and implement a solution that resonates with their realities and addresses their specific needs. Our team is composed of 5 staff and 50 financial instructors living with participants within the community who have been implementing community projects these past ten years and the team lead is a renown women economic empowerment champion with experiences in financial and entrepreneurship curricula development to digital solutions implementation with rural women. Throughout the design and development process of MEDEME, we actively engage with community members to gather feedback, ideas, and input. We conduct focus groups, interviews, and participatory workshops to ensure that the solution reflects the priorities and aspirations of the target population. Community members are integral partners in shaping the design and implementation of MEDEME, ensuring that it remains culturally relevant and responsive to their needs.

To advance women's economic empowerment in rural areas, SOTON MEDEME has worked on some development projects in two communities in Benin: Se and Dassa. We worked with nearly 1500 women gathered in 50 women groups and some entrepreneurs for entrepreneurship workshops through the farming and value added component of the Moringa plant. 

One of the projects financed through the LINC Grant (Leveraging Innovations in New Communities) helped build some legacy on economic empowerment, savings, and financial literacy. As we intend to put a digital component in our approaches, this will be a pilot phase so as to scale the initiative.

We are applying to Solve because we believe in the power of collaboration and collective action to drive positive change. Solve offers a unique platform for us to connect with partners who can provide the support, resources, and expertise needed to scale our solution, MEDEME, and maximize its impact on rural women in Adjohoun. As an organization committed to learning, we are particularly interested in the support and advice from experts in the digital space on how best to integrate the MEDEME solution and build access pathways and digital literacy skills with off-grid rural young women. While we know our program participants very well and have strong trust-based relationships with them, we understand the importance of not providing a one-size-fits-all approach to digital literacy. Instead, we seek to learn from others on how to tailor this process for our target group within the context of MEDEME's implementation, enabling co-creation throughout the project phases. 

Additionally, the financial resources involved with becoming a solver will help us pilot this solution and potentially prepare to scale it to our new geographies.

MEDEME is innovative in several key ways:

1. Tailored Approach: Unlike traditional financial inclusion initiatives, MEDEME recognizes the unique needs and challenges faced by rural women in Adjohoun and tailors its approach accordingly. By offering a user-friendly mobile application specifically designed for this demographic, MEDEME ensures accessibility and relevance, leading to higher adoption rates and greater impact.

2. Comprehensive Solution: MEDEME goes beyond basic financial services by integrating financial education, digital literacy training, and community support features into a single platform. This holistic approach addresses the multifaceted barriers to financial inclusion faced by rural women, empowering them to build sustainable livelihoods and improve their economic well-being.

3. Technology Integration: Leveraging mobile technology, cloud-based infrastructure, MEDEME provides secure and convenient access to financial services and educational resources, even in remote areas with limited connectivity. By harnessing the power of technology, MEDEME bridges the digital divide and unlocks new opportunities for rural women to participate in the digital economy.

4. Community Empowerment: MEDEME prioritizes community engagement and co-creation, involving users in the design, development, and implementation of the solution. By fostering a sense of ownership and agency among rural women, MEDEME catalyzes broader positive impacts beyond its immediate scope, empowering communities to drive their own economic development.

5. Scalability and Replicability: MEDEME's modular design and cloud-based infrastructure make it highly scalable and easily replicable in other rural contexts, both within Benin and across similar regions globally. By demonstrating the effectiveness of its approach, MEDEME has the potential to catalyze broader changes in the market landscape, encouraging other stakeholders to adopt similar innovative solutions for financial inclusion.

1. Activities:

MEDEME adopts an integrated approach combining training, awareness-raising and technology. The project's approach is based on the following principles:

• Contextualization: The project is adapted to the specific needs and contexts of rural women in Benin. A baseline study will be required to identify the digital needs of the target group, to ensure that the approach is properly adapted. 

• Partnership: The project is implemented in partnership with local and community organizations and service providers (financial instructors). Technical partners are to be identified for optimal implementation.

• Experimentation: The project is designed to be flexible and adaptable, in order to learn and improve as it is implemented.

   - We provide rural women in Adjohoun with access to the Dreamsave mobile application.

   - We offer tailored financial education and digital literacy training within the app and through financial instructors identified within the community.

   - We facilitate community engagement and peer support through communities’ engagement activities for them to support women Income Generating Activities.

Thanks to the tablets, women's groups will be able to access mobile banking services and create savings accounts for sustainable financial inclusion. Mobile banking uses mobile payment services via the MTN cell phone network in Benin.

In addition to these points, the groups will receive seed fundings to implement their income-generating activities. 

2. Outputs:

    - Rural women use the Dreamsave app on their mobile devices.

   - Women engage with financial education content and complete digital literacy training modules.

  - Users participate in community forums, share experiences, and support each other.

   - Women groups receive seed fundings to put in place Income Generating Activities

  - MEDEME gains visibility and acceptance within the local community through partnerships and outreach efforts.

3. Outcomes:

   - Increased financial literacy: Rural women gain knowledge and skills related to budgeting, saving, and managing finances effectively, leading to improved financial decision-making.

   - Enhanced digital literacy: Women develop confidence and proficiency in using digital tools and mobile banking services, overcoming barriers to access and participation in the digital economy.

   - Economic empowerment: With access to financial services and digital tools, rural women are better equipped to generate sustainable incomes, start or expand businesses, and invest in their families' well-being.

   - Strengthened social networks: Community engagement and peer support foster a sense of belonging and solidarity among users, enhancing social capital and resilience within the community.

4. Impact:

   - Improved quality of life: By empowering rural women with financial and digital skills, MEDEME contributes to poverty reduction, increased resilience to economic shocks, and overall improvements in well-being for individuals and their families.

   - Sustainable development: MEDEME's approach to financial inclusion and digital empowerment promotes long-term economic growth and community development, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous society.

Our impact goals for MEDEME are centered around achieving tangible improvements in the lives of rural women in Adjohoun, with a focus on economic empowerment, financial inclusion, and digital literacy. We aim to measure our progress towards these impact goals through a combination of qualitative and quantitative indicators, including:

1. Increased Financial Literacy: We measure the improvement in financial knowledge and skills among rural women through pre- and post-training assessments, tracking changes in their ability to budget, save, and manage finances effectively.

2. Enhanced Digital Literacy: We assess the level of digital proficiency among users through surveys and user feedback, monitoring their ability to navigate the Dreamsave app, use mobile banking services, and engage with digital content.

3. Access to Financial Services: We track the number of new savings accounts opened, and transactions conducted through the MEDEME platform, providing insights into the extent to which rural women are accessing formal financial services.

4. Economic Empowerment: We measure changes in household income, asset ownership, and entrepreneurship rates among MEDEME users, evaluating the impact of the solution on their economic well-being and livelihoods.

5. Social Capital: We assess the strength of social networks and community cohesion among MEDEME users through qualitative interviews, observing the extent to which peer support and collaboration contribute to resilience and mutual empowerment.

6. User Satisfaction: We gather feedback from users through surveys, focus groups, and user ratings within the app, monitoring satisfaction levels and identifying areas for improvement in the user experience and service delivery.

The core technology that powers MEDEME's solution is a mix of mobile application developed by DreamstartLab specifically to address the unique needs of rural women in Adjohoun and the use of mobile money system for financial inclusion. Here's an overview of the key components of our technology:

Currently, our solution team consists of:

- Full-time staff: 5 members
- Part-time staff: 3 members
- Contractors or other workers: 2 members

We have been working on our solution, MEDEME, for approximately 5 years when it comes to women economic empowerment and less than 1 year for piloting the digital component.

Ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of our team and integral to our approach in developing and implementing MEDEME. Here's how we strive to achieve these goals:

1. Diverse Leadership: Our leadership team reflects a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We intentionally recruit individuals from different ethnicities, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds to ensure diverse representation at decision-making levels.

2. Inclusive Hiring Practices: We prioritize inclusive hiring practices to minimize barriers to opportunity for staff. This includes using diverse recruitment channels, conducting blind resume reviews, and implementing structured interview processes to mitigate unconscious bias.

3. Training and Development: We invest in training and development programs to foster cultural competence and sensitivity among team members. This includes workshops on unconscious bias, inclusive communication, and cross-cultural understanding to promote empathy and understanding within the team.

4. Promoting Psychological Safety: We cultivate a welcoming and inclusive environment where all team members feel valued, respected, and supported. We encourage open dialogue, active listening, and constructive feedback to ensure that diverse perspectives are heard and considered in decision-making processes.

5. Community Engagement: We actively engage with the communities we serve to ensure that our solution is responsive to their needs and preferences. This includes conducting outreach programs, focus groups, and participatory workshops to gather feedback and co-create solutions with community members.

6. Continuous Improvement: We regularly review and evaluate our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions. This includes collecting feedback from team members, conducting diversity audits, and setting measurable goals to track progress over time.

By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our team and throughout the development and implementation of MEDEME, we aim to create a more equitable and accessible solution that benefits all stakeholders. We recognize that diversity strengthens our team, fosters innovation, and enhances our ability to create positive social impact in the communities we serve.

Our business model for MEDEME is centered around providing value to rural women in Adjohoun through a combination of impact and revenue generation. Here's an overview of our key components:

1. Value Proposition: MEDEME offers rural women access to financial services, digital literacy training, and community support through a user-friendly mobile application. By leveraging technology, education, and community engagement, MEDEME empowers women to improve their financial literacy, access formal financial services, and participate more fully in the digital economy.

2. Products and Services:
   - Financial Services: MEDEME provides a range of financial products tailored to the needs of rural women, including savings accounts, microloans, and insurance options.
   - Digital Literacy Training: MEDEME offers interactive modules and tutorials to enhance users' digital skills and confidence, enabling them to navigate digital tools and services effectively.
   - Community Support: MEDEME fosters a sense of community among users through forums, discussion boards, and networking opportunities, facilitating peer support and knowledge sharing.

3. Delivery Model: MEDEME is delivered primarily through a mobile application, Dreamsave which users can download and access on their tablets. The app is designed to be intuitive, user-friendly, and accessible to individuals with limited digital literacy skills. Additionally, MEDEME utilizes partnerships with local organizations, community leaders, and financial institutions to promote awareness and facilitate outreach efforts.

4. Customer Segments: Our primary customers and beneficiaries are rural women in Adjohoun who face barriers to accessing formal financial services and digital tools. MEDEME also benefits other stakeholders, including financial institutions, government agencies, and development organizations, by promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment among marginalized populations.

Overall, our business model for MEDEME is designed to create sustainable value for both our target customers and the broader community, balancing social impact with revenue generation to ensure long-term viability and scalability.

Revenue Streams: While MEDEME prioritizes social impact, it also generates revenue through various channels, including:
   - Partnerships and Sponsorships: MEDEME seeks partnerships with financial institutions, telecommunications companies, and other organizations interested in promoting financial inclusion and digital empowerment. These partnerships  involve revenue-sharing agreements or sponsorship arrangements to support ongoing operations and expansion efforts.

Grants and Donations: We actively seek grants and donations from philanthropic organizations, government agencies, and corporate foundations that support initiatives aimed at promoting financial inclusion and gender equality. These grants provide essential funding for research, development, and implementation of MEDEME.
Investment Capital: We may explore opportunities to raise investment capital from impact investors, venture capital firms, or social impact funds that are aligned with our mission and vision. Investment funding can support scaling efforts, technology infrastructure upgrades, and market expansion initiatives.

Overall, our diversified approach to revenue generation and funding acquisition positions us for long-term financial sustainability while ensuring that MEDEME remains accessible and impactful for rural women in Adjohoun and beyond.