Ruby Cup

CATEGORY: Health

Ruby Cup

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Ruby Cup is a sustainable and affordable menstrual hygiene solution to women and girls in low-income markets that will be sold through franchise and local female vendors.

Standings & Awards

128 out of 591 in Africa
44 out of 284 in Health
97 out of 573 in Pilot
84 out of 555 in For-Profit
388 out of 4003 Overall

3

VOTES

Ruby Cup

Getting girls back to school while decreasing stigmatization about menstrual hygiene

Ruby Cup is a menstrual cup made of medical grade silicone that is affordable, healthy, and environmentally friendly, as it can be re-used for up to 10 years.

We will reach low-income markets (BoP) through a low-cost pricing and women to women distribution model, which will enhance education, generate income for local women, while addressing the problem of menstrual hygiene

Women in developing countries face challenges when dealing with menstruation, as disposable menstrual hygiene products are often unavailable or too expensive. Moreover, making disposable hygiene products available to women in developing countries poses a serious environmental problem, as there is rarely an appropriate infrastructure to handle this type of waste. As a result, girls miss school and women are unable to attend work while menstruating. This amount to 20% of days missed in school and consequently girls often drop out because they are unable to follow their courses any longer. UNICEF (2010) and UNDP (2007) call menstruation an overseen issue that hinders reaching the Millennium Development Goals: education, gender equality and economic development.

There is a need for menstrual protection alternatives, which will not have negative environmental effects and that are safe, available and affordable for women in developing countries. In addition, education in menstrual hygiene must be enhanced to dismantle social stigma and improve the empowerment of women.

FIVE PROJECT QUESTIONS Required (60 - 90 minutes)

1. What is your innovation?

A menstrual cup is not a new invention; in fact it is already offered in mainly Western countries for a high price and easily scalable: by producing our own Ruby Cup, we use the technology of an existing proven quality solution, and make it affordable and available in low-income markets while generating local growth and education through our innovative business model. This way we create development and sanitation through business and education.

2. Who gains the most?

The women and girls who today do not have proper menstrual hygiene protection will benefit immensely from Ruby Cup, as they now no longer have to feel ashamed and stay away from school or work. Our female vendors, who will sell Ruby Cup in their local communities will increase their monthly income and purchasing power, which will empower them in the household. Finally, through capacity building and education, we will help de-stigmatise menstruation - a benefit for the whole community.

3. Who pays?

We believe that making an active purchase increases appreciation of the product and creates empowerment, rather than passively receiving it for free through donations. Our customers thus pays for the product and gets the benefits of Ruby Cup. Furthermore, we have received grants from donors, who get high impact and help fund a company that will become financially sustainable. Finally, we have partnerships with angel investors who own shares of our company.

4. What is your success?

Economically, female vendors will increase their income, total income generated in 12 months: $10K, 3 years: $130K, 5 years: $0.6 mill. Socially, we will increase the life quality of Ruby Cup users through education and empowerment. Ruby Cup users in 12 months: 10K, 3 years: 130K, 5 years: 0.6 mill. Environmentally, Ruby Cup will have a positive impact from the CO2 emissions and waste saved from girls and women that switch to a Ruby Cup. Social impact value in 5 years: $15 million.

5. How will you do it?

The business model for launching Ruby Cup is based on a dual market approach: 1) Reaching low-income markets through a low-cost pricing and direct sales distribution model via partner organisations, while 2) at the same time targeting high-income market segments in order to create a brand that speaks to the modern woman, no matter the income level.