World Health Organization (WHO) reports reveal that more than 800 women die from preventable conditions associated with reproductive health every single day.
Generally, African women suffer from many diseases and, in some cases, death, most especially during their reproductive years.
There are many factors responsible for these incidences in African women, including inadequate access to information, inefficient social support, stigmatization, limited access to healthcare services and services. However, when there are proper sensitization and access to verifiable information, these women will understand their bodies better, speak up about the issues they face, and take necessary actions beforehand, rather than being reactive and consequently lead a healthy life.
One African platform that has been at the forefront of this journey is Massira. It is a Ghanian female-led tech startup and social enterprise founded in 2019 by Samirah Maison, Ada Tapily, Favour Barde, and MicaelDié.
Massira, a leading female-based support community, specializes in disseminating credible information on sexual, reproductive, and mental health services. This community continues to educate, empower and connect African women to improve health outcomes.
The startup is also committed to providing a safe platform where women can anonymously and freely share and learn with the community’s supports. It also offers easy access to products and services while still catering to the unreached.
In a chat with Tech Build Africa, Favour Barde said, “We foresee that the achievement of the above will translate into women promoting the culture of a healthier lifestyle in units and communities they find themselves and cause a change in the traditions passed on; to the younger generation.”
He further revealed that the four co-founders of this women hub came from four different countries, each taking independent steps to participate in the Mest Training Program.
“From personal experiences discussed and further research, we realized that speaking about women’s health is a subject not openly discussed in Africa, coupled with inadequate dissemination of information, limited access to products and services.
“Our team is made up of 75% women, who have first-hand experience with reproductive health conditions. We are passionate about women’s health and improving health outcomes in Africa.”
We envision a society where all women – irrespective of location, social or economic status can access credible health information to make informed decisions, health facilities & services, and we are actively working towards its realization.”
Aims and Visions
Based on the information made available by the founders, Massira is exploring a holistic approach to accompany African women on a lifelong journey of self-discovery, healing, and proactivity. The community is also committed to raising more health awareness through constant sensitization and encouraging an open dialogue on topics women do not want to talk about, enabling them to make confident and informed health decisions.
Massira is also working assiduously to address the gender disparity in the health system by disseminating credible information, products, and services, as this will support early diagnosis and treatments of avoidable health cases for women.
This African community for women is also committed to improving the health outcomes for women and girls, thereby contributing to the attainment of UN SDGs of ensuring good health, wellness, empowerment, and reduced death rate coupled with a decrease in the number of women living in pain from preventable sexual and reproductive health cases in West Africa.
Massira’s solution
The founders revealed that technology is their greatest asset. It allows Massira to reach its target audience while still generating proper support to reach the rural audience.
“Through the Massira App, which is a work in progress, women can create & join discussions about various topics, create and join health events, read curated health articles and stories.
The App makes women go anonymous. This allows them to share their experiences without any fear of judgments freely.
“We also have Sirakare where women can book virtual consultation slots with health practitioners, order for health tests & screenings, and purchase monthly sanitary care packages.”
“25% of profits made on care packages go to support girls in rural communities with sanitary hygiene products.”
Massira’s offering
Massira is also a social impact enterprise as it supports community growth through the provision of a caring and safe platform. Its impact has reached the rural communities and continued to partner with relevant organizations while raising more health awareness through social media posts and events.
Favour talked about the expansion beyond the borders of Ghana, “our vision spans beyond the boundaries of Ghana. In no distant future, our offerings will be accessible in other countries.”
