Mobile app helps distribute sanitary towels to needy girls
DEVELOPMENT
By BiztechAfrica - Oct. 17, 2012, 4:35 p.m.
By Semaj Itosno, Nairobi, Kenya
Kenya’sChase Bank Foundation and ZanaAfrica Group have launched a mobile application to aid in national sanitary pad distribution. Tens of thousands of girls miss school because they cannot afford sanitary towels.
Dubbed ‘the Nia Network’, the new application, which can be downloaded through the Chase Bank website, allows participants to offer donations of sanitary towels and monitor what others have contributed.
The application is currently compatible with Android-based phones, but there are plans to expand to other operating systems.
Next steps for the application include standardising distribution methodology, directing donors to the disadvantaged schools, and monitoring the impact of pads on school performance metrics.
The Nia Network was conceptualized in 2008 but only became a reality after partnering with Chase Bank Foundation.
ZanaAfrica Founder and CEO, Megan White Mukuria, first launched the National Sanitary Towels Campaign in 2006 when she was then incoming-President of the Rotary Club of Nairobi South.
This campaign, in partnership with the Kenya Ministry of Education, the Girl Child Network, P&G, and others, brought greater awareness to the plight of over 800,000 girls who miss 6 weeks of school a year due to lack of sanitary towels.
Since then, thousands of well-wishers, companies, religious and service organizations, and charities have donated pads.
“Partnering with ZanaAfrica ties in to our aspiration of being in the forefront of women's empowerment, as women are the core pillar of our society," said Duncan Kabui, Chase Bank CEO.
Bbosa David - Dec. 7, 2012, 12:12 p.m.
Hi Team I would like to be a partner in this noble cause Kindly advise how we can work together in distribution of pads to needy girls in Uganda and SudanMORE DEVELOPMENT NEWS
US businessman aims to rally African Americans to support Africa
A US war veteran and businessman is launching a USD100 billion initiative aiming to rally the support of African Americans to aid development in Africa. Read MoreMalawi encourages girls to embark on ICT careers
Malawi, through the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), has expressed its commitment to involving girls in the ICT sector. Read MoreICT skills to take on gender digital divide
Women in Senegal are starting to look to ICT to close the digital divide between themselves and their families. Read MoreAfrican Philanthropy Forum launched
A new global forum has been launched to promote inclusive development in Africa. Read MoreTeaching ICT to Senegal’s kids
The need for ICT skills has become so apparent that even Senegal’s older generation is prepared to break the bank to give kids access. Read MoreShoppers donate $6.26m to entrepreneurs
Over 226,000 micro entrepreneurs will benefit from an online and in-store fundraising drive in the US. Read MoreMoaning over rural-urban schools digital divide in Africa
Senegal teachers report that the digital divide between rural and urban schools is so frustrating that some teachers in the rural areas are thinking of relocating to urban areas to apply for teaching posts. Read MoreSafaricom Foundation hands over maternal health facilities
Residents of Muiru will no longer have to travel 12km for maternal and child care services following the construction of a new mother and child wing at Kambandi Dispensary, with the help of Safaricom Foundation. Read MoreClean energy contest seeks West African entrepreneurs
A West Africa Forum for Clean Energy Financing competition is open for regional entrepreneurs to unlock renewable energy and energy efficiency investments in West Africa. Read MoreAfrica’s technology addiction
Africa is ready for a growth explosion– if it has the right technology in place, says Rutendo Hwindingwi. Read MoreRELATED STORIES
FEATURED STORY
ICT opens doors for Kenyan slum dwellersA Nairobi based group is equipping high school girls from Nairobi's slums with ICT skills to help them participate meaningfully in building the economy.
BEST READ NEWS
IN DEPTH
Dollar-a-month broadband can change AfricaThe Microsoft-led 4Afrika TV white spaces project, taking broadband to rural people for as little as a dollar a month, is now expanding in Kenya and launching in Tanzania.
COMPANY NEWS
Botswana innovates with SAP Business OneThe Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) has appointed local SAP Business One specialists 4most to implement an affordable, easy-to-use business management software application.
Samsung puts the spotlight on enterprise solutionsSamsung Electronics South Africa has announced its support of the upcoming Enterprise Mobility Forum.
Sage Pastel Evolution: the modern ERP tool for the modern Kenyan businessThis week’s Sage East Africa Conference, entitled Innovation Beyond Boundaries, attracted over 100 existing and potential customers to the Sankara Hotel in Nairobi.
Mary Otieno - Nov. 21, 2012, 2:02 p.m.
We are seeking for parters and funders in the supply of sanitary products, survey and mentoring components of a mentoring project for adolescent girls n Homabay County.