Shesmiles

1. Limited Access to Menstrual Products: Many women and girls in Africa cannot afford or access sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cups, leading them to use unhygienic alternatives such as old rags, newspapers, or leaves. This not only compromises their hygiene but also increases the risk of infections.

2. Lack of Sanitation Facilities: Inadequate sanitation facilities, including clean and private toilets, are a significant issue in many parts of Africa. The absence of safe and private spaces for managing menstruation can lead to embarrassment, discomfort, and health risks for women and girls.

3. Stigma and Taboos: Menstruation is often surrounded by stigma and cultural taboos in many African societies. This stigma can lead to shame, silence, and misinformation about menstrual health, preventing women and girls from seeking proper care and support.

4. Limited Education and Awareness: There is often a lack of comprehensive education about menstrual health in schools and communities, leaving many women and girls uninformed about proper menstrual hygiene practices, reproductive health, and the importance of seeking medical care when needed.

5. Economic Barriers: Poverty can exacerbate the challenges women face in managing menstruation. Limited financial resources may prevent women and girls from accessing affordable menstrual products, hygiene facilities, or healthcare services.

SheSmiles is a private and sage channel for order and delivery of large variety contraceptives ranging from emergency contraceptives pills ,condoms, implants and injectables which are delivered with a mobile Doctor at ones own convenience hence reducing  social stigma among women. SheSmiles Health services are delivered in partnership with certified local health pharmacies and clinics which SheSmiles has evaluated to ensure they provide genuine quality products and a positive experience for our customers.

SheSmiles works with both Rural and Urban schools to support the vulnerable
youth that are living in a destitute condition, by providing quality menstrual care products so as they can stay in school. SheSmiles also provides free Health Information services in a period of a month in different

Our team believes we are the right people to design and deliver this solution to the target population because we have a deep understanding and proximity to the communities we aim to serve. Here are some reasons why:

1. Community Roots: Many of our team members were born and raised in the same communities we are targeting. We have a strong connection and understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities present in these areas.

2. Lived Experiences: Several team members have personally experienced the issues faced by the target population. This firsthand experience drives our empathy and motivates us to create impactful solutions.

3. Cultural Sensitivity: Our diverse team represents the cultural and demographic diversity of the communities we serve. This allows us to approach design and delivery with sensitivity to cultural nuances and values.

4. Trust and Relationships: We have built trust and strong relationships within the community over the years through grassroots efforts, volunteering, and collaboration on previous projects. This trust is invaluable in ensuring the acceptance and success of our solutions.

5. Accessible Communication: Our team members are fluent in the local languages spoken by the target population, ensuring effective communication and understanding of their needs and feedback.

6. Collaborative Approach: We believe in co-creation and involve community members in the design and delivery process. This ensures that the solutions are relevant, sustainable, and embraced by the community.

7. Continuous Engagement: Our commitment goes beyond project timelines. We are invested in the long-term well-being of the community and engage in ongoing dialogue to address evolving needs and challenges.

8. Adaptability and Resilience: We understand the dynamic nature of community challenges and are agile in adapting our approach to meet changing circumstances effectively.

9. Passion and Dedication: Each member of our team is driven by a shared passion for social impact and a dedication to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

In summary, our team's deep connection, understanding, and commitment to the target population empower us to design and deliver solutions that are not only effective but also respectful, inclusive, and sustainable.

Shesmiles is E-commerce platform providing affordable Health and self-care services to women at their own convenience hence ending women stigma. We have been able to work with Low income women as representatives for shemiles which has enabled us to reach a number of 80 rural women and girls providing them with some free contraceptive products and lessons. We have also been able make some sales of up to 40% of our products to the urban ladies and they seem to be more supportive as we improve on our working system.

Solve can help overcome financial barriers by connecting Solver teams with partners who provide monetary support through funding or grants. Technical barriers can be addressed by connecting teams with experts in the field to provide guidance and resources. Legal barriers can be overcome by connecting teams with legal advisors who can provide assistance with regulatory compliance and intellectual property protection. Cultural barriers can be addressed by connecting teams with partners who have expertise in navigating diverse cultural landscapes. Market barriers can be overcome by connecting teams with partners who can provide market research, access to networks, and help with scaling solutions.

• E-commerce platform providing affordable Health and self-care services to women at their on convenience hence ending women stigma.
• SheSmiles works with both rural and urban schools to support the vulnerable youth that are living in a destitute condition by providing menstrual care products so that they can stay in school. Shesmiles also provides free Health information services.

SheSmiles is a private and sage channel for order and delivery of large variety contraceptives ranging from emergency contraceptives pills ,condoms, implants and injectables which are delivered with a mobile Doctor. SheSmiles Health services are delivered in partnership with certified local health pharmacies  and clinics which SheSmiles has evaluated to ensure they provide genuine quality products and a positive experience for our customers

• AS Shesmiles we decided to partner with the government Ministry of Health to Create awareness on how women and girls can use contraceptives which is essential to securing the well-being and autonomy of women, while supporting the health and development of communities.
•  By Enabling easy access to HIV Self-Test kits this will provide an opportunity for people to test themselves discreetly and conveniently, HIV self-testing may increase testing among people not currently reached by existing HIV testing and counseling services.
• SheSmiles works with both rural and urban schools to support the vulnerable youth that are living in a destitute condition by providing menstrual care products so that they can stay in school. Shesmiles also provides free Health information services.
• Shesmiles also employees Low income women that live in the communities where we deliver as representatives, They build trust for our digital platform and ecommerce service  by being the face of SheSmiles in their communities. We pay our representatives on performance bonus plan for these services.

SheSmiles is a private and sage channel for order and delivery of large variety contraceptives ranging from emergency contraceptives pills, condoms, implants and injectables which are delivered with a mobile Doctor.  SheSmiles Health services are delivered in partnership with certified local health pharmacies  and clinics which SheSmiles has evaluated to ensure they provide genuine quality products and a positive experience for our customers. 

Stella Mwitonzi - Co- Founder

Kagoro Joel- CEO

Cathy Kaboyo - Co-Founder / Medical Analyst 

Bonita Kabatisa - Lead Designer

Imelda Kamatungo - Chief Advisor

We have been working on this solution for the past 1 year and a half.

1. Diverse Hiring Practices, i actively seek out diverse candidates by posting job openings on platforms or in communities that attract a diverse range of applicants. Implement blind resume reviews and standardized interview processes to minimize unconscious biases in hiring decisions.

2. Diversity Training: Provide training for hiring managers and employees on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics. This training can raise awareness of unconscious biases, promote cultural competency, and foster a more inclusive work environment.

3. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Establish ERGs for different identity   groups (e.g., women, LGBTQ+, people of color) where employees can     connect, support each other, and advocate for their needs within the  organization.

4. Leadership Commitment: Ensure that leadership is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts by setting clear goals, allocating resources, and holding themselves and others accountable for progress.

Our Business is mainly Business 2 Customer  its  a private and sage channel for order and delivery of large variety contraceptives ranging from emergency contraceptives pills ,condoms, implants and injectables which are delivered with a mobile Doctor.  SheSmiles Health services are delivered in partnership with certified local health pharmacies  and clinics which SheSmiles has evaluated to ensure they provide genuine quality products and a positive experience for our customers. 

Shesmiles plans to make money in two different ways partnering with pharmacies to sell Health and self-care products to middle income women. 

Shesmiles also has a partnership with the Government Ministry of Health  Creating awareness on how women and girls can use contraceptives which is essential to securing the well-being and autonomy of women, while supporting the health and development of communities.