With the emergence of the Femtech Revolution, it’s a great time to zoom in on the 5 apps that are changing how young women handle their health
GRACE HEALTH
As one of the very first women’s health platforms designed for emerging markets specifically, Grace Health is a 7.5 megabyte app that gives women better access to affordable healthcare. This femtech startup (founded by Thérèse Mannheimer) has become the most popular women’s health app provider across East and West Africa. The app’s chatbot assists girls and women with a variety of women-specific issues, such as cycle tracking, fertility and pregnancy resources, as well as insights into contraceptive options and sexual health education.
NEXTWEAR TECHNOLOGY
Kemisola Bolarinwa is the Women in STEM advocate and Robotics Engineer behind the Nigerian startup that has produced the first-ever wearable technology (in the form of a smart bra) that can actually detect breast cancer in wearers. This is enabled by nanotechnology and small sensors. With the ability to pick up breast cancer in its early stages – in just minutes – the smart bra conducts a physical check in the comfort of your own home, which takes away the need for (and cost of) going into a hospital for a mammogram.
TIA
Created with the aim of offering access to both mental health and intimate health tools to women of all ages (at a standard fee), Tia is a ‘one-stop shop for gynaecology, primary care, mental health and acupuncture’, which provides virtual health tools such as booking OB/GYN appointments and mental health education resources, for example. Tia has also formed an online community, providing access to expert advice, personal stories and even women’s health events.
UTEROO
Founded by Pabi Moloi, Uteroo is a period tracking and prediction app that eliminates the element of surprise when it comes to your menstrual cycle. It also provides key health insights that assist with getting to know your body, and the signs it gives off, better. The app is geared towards breaking the stigma that exists around menstruation in black households by using innovative technology made to improve women’s overall quality of life.
WHISPA
Multi-award-winning pharmacist Morenike Fajemisin is the co-founder of this particular app suite, which offers affordable and private access to sexual and reproductive healthcare information. App users have the ability to connect with doctors via an in-app chat feature, about any sexual or reproductive questions and concerns they may have. There are also features that allow for booking sexual health service appointments, and ordering sexual health products (in a discreet manner).
Words by Charndré Emma Kippie
Photography: Courtesy Images
