Healthcare Access Challenges in Egypt

Egyptian women face cultural taboos and high costs for healthcare, with only 20% covered by medical insurance.

Language Barriers in Health Apps

Foreign health apps often fail Egyptian users due to language differences and cultural misunderstandings.

“I noticed that most foreign apps only reach a certain group of people who can be comfortable speaking English or speaking on this topic in a certain way - different from what we're used to in our culture”

Cultural Sensitivity in Health Platforms

Apps must avoid clinical language to prevent disengagement among women dealing with menstruation and reproductive health issues.

“Language and cultural nuance are not simply added features, they are central to whether women and girls feel comfortable engaging with a digital health platform”

Aziza App Focuses on Menstruation

Nesma Amin founded Aziza in 2023 to address menstruation taboos with culturally sensitive features for Egyptian women.

“Nesma Amin wanted to address with her app, Aziza, which she founded in 2023. It focuses on menstruation, a topic still mired in misinformation and taboos in Egypt”

User-Centered Design Approach

Aziza avoids assumptions about user sexual activity and uses discreet notifications to respect cultural norms.

“For instance, I've received feedback from our users who say they are glad that notifications are discreet and Aziza doesn't send notifications or messages that may seem inappropriate”

Training for Ground Teams

Amin trains teams to handle sensitive conversations about menstruation and sexual health with community members.

“We take a lot of training on how to handle tough conversations around menstruation, around sexual health, how to talk with young boys and how to talk with men”

Shemsi Period Products

Shemsi, a Cairo-based company, produces reusable period underwear to address menstrual care stigma in Egypt.

“In Egypt and the wider region, the menstrual care market has been stagnant for decades, dominated by disposable pads”

Market Stagnation and Cultural Resistance

Tampon use remains low due to stigma around loss of virginity and cultural resistance to reusable products.

“The data on tampon use in Egypt is limited, as large-scale reproductive health studies in the country chiefly focus on pad and pantyliner use”

Shemsi's Reusable Solution

Shemsi underwear can be reused for up to 300 washes, offering cost savings despite higher initial price.

“They are designed to be washed easily alongside regular laundry and can be reused for up to 300 washes per garment”

Affordable Payment Options

Shemsi offers installment plans to help families manage the upfront cost of period products.

“We offer flexible payment options, including instalment plans. This allows families to make a one-time investment in their health and budget without financial stress”

Cultural Trust in Health Platforms

Women trust platforms that reflect their lived experiences and communicate with empathy and respect.

“When women feel that a platform reflects their lived experiences and communicates with empathy and respect, they are more likely to trust it, continue using it and act on the health information it provides”