Care Capsule

Inspiration

We were inspired when stumbled across the story of Noemí (55 years old), who grew up in a town in Santiago del Estero. Her mother and other women in her family used rags during their menstruation and hand washed them for reuse. We came to the startling realization that many women, not only in Latin America, but all across the world still lack access to feminine products. She also said that women were adamant on hiding menstruation from men because they were ashamed. We created Care Capsule to make feminine products more accessible and spread awareness to battle gender inequality.

What it does

Care Capsule is a feminine product dispenser that informs women about the products it contains. Each time an item is selected, an AI helper will inform the user on what the product is used for and how to use the product. The AI will also answer any questions about the product. After confirming the selection, the item will dispense completely free of charge. Care Capsules will be places in low-income communities where feminine products are difficult to access due to affordability. We aim to normalize feminine product use and increase accessibility to feminine products worldwide to reduce gender inequalities.

How we built it

We brought a vending machine and placed our selected products into the slots. Next, we installed the cooling system and the screen both powered by a hydrogen cell. Then, we programmed an AI helper to state pre-determined information and answer any questions about the products.

Challenges we ran into

One of the challenges we had was brainstorming an idea that was both feasible and impactful in reducing inequalities. We had long discussions and disagreed over several ideas, but eventually we agreed to finalize Care Capsule as our project. Another challenge we faced was the design of the Care Capsule. When modeling the Care Capsule, struggled to find a design that was safe and welcoming towards our target audience while also supporting the Capsule's original purpose of spreading awareness about feminine products.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We are proud of having great communication between our team in discussing our ideas and compromising to the Care Capsule. Through a partnership with Snackfast Vending supplier and CVS, we will be able to create Care Capsules to place in marginalized areas. The Care Capsule's positive impact on communities' health both physical and socially will greatly reduce gender inequality.

What we learned

Our team learned about the inequalities that are present in developing countries across the world such as access to healthcare and social stigmas against women. We learned about the different products that women need access to in order to practice safe and healthy menstrual health and sexual health. We learned about the technology needed to build a Care Capsule and factors that are considered when introducing something against social norms.

What's next for Care Capsule

Care Capsule aims to begin in low-income communities in Latin America and spread to other developing countries such as southeast Asia and Africa. We hope to build an international foundation for gender equality and universal access to healthcare.