WorkingGlobally

Globally we're lacking knowledge about our menstrual cycles. With few non-app solutions available for the hundreds of millions of young women who don’t have access to mobile internet, and periods a huge barrier in completing education especially, the team set about making partnerships with programmes focused on providing young women with everything they need to stay in school. UNFPA Pilot in Moldova: The results showed a significant increase in knowledge girls have around their knowledge of when their next period is due to start (58%-81%), and knowledge of their most fertile window (35%-68%). As well as an increase in knowledge, girls reported feeling much less anxious in relation to their cycle. Girls felt more confident in their ability to prepare for their period (74% - 96%) and in their ability to get pregnant or avoid pregnancy (46% - 73%). This increase in knowledge and confidence has resulted in better body literacy and sense of agency, which all contributed to decreased anxiety levels girls reported in the qualitative feedback. The pilot has been deemed successful, and the teams are now considering scale up plans UNFPA Pilot in Burkina Faso The most significant results were seen in an increase in knowledge girls have of when their period is due to start (47.1% to 82.3%) and understanding of their most fertile window (25.7% to 75.4%). As well as an increase in knowledge, providing girls with this low-tech watch has proven to be much more than just a menstrual cycle tracker. It has also positively impacted girls’ sense of agency, body literacy and overall self-esteem and mental health. Their feelings of confidence in their ability to prepare for their period increased from 42.9% - 90.8% and confidence in their ability to get pregnant or avoid pregnancy increased from 17.1% - 63.1%. This decreased anxiety levels and qualitative feedback pointed to girls feeling more comfortable with their cycle and body, some even using this as a tool to talk to their family.

"It’s simplified menstrual tracking, I feel less stressed."

"I’m not afraid of menstruating anymore"

"My mum encourages me to use it. She even advised me to keep it safe and not let my little sisters play with it."

"It was easier than keeping track in a mobile application."

Our partners

• Roots of Health
• Teen’s Key
• Girls Foundation of Tanzania
• UNFPA