WomenWelfare

A platform helping women facing period poverty by connecting them to nearby shelters and menstrual health resources and using AI chatting for guidance and support regarding their reproductive health.

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Inspiration

The idea for WomenWelfare was inspired by the significant issue of period poverty, affecting millions of women who lack access to basic menstrual products and support. I wanted to create a platform that could empower women by connecting them with essential resources and a supportive community.

What it does

WomenWelfare is a web platform that helps women facing period poverty by providing a map to locate nearby shelters, nonprofits, and donation centers offering free period supplies and healthcare services. It also features an AI-powered chat tool that answers questions about period resources, healthcare, and support options.

How I built it

I developed the front-end using HTML and CSS, focusing on a clean, accessible interface. The back-end was build with Java-Script to handle API requests and server-side operations. I integrated Google Maps to allow users to locate nearby shelters and nonprofits offering period supplies. I also utilized Gemini API for an AI-powered chat tool to answer users' questions on resources and healthcare.

Challenges I ran into

One of the main challenges was making fetch calls to the Gemini API, particularly handling authentication securely on the server side to keep the API key safe. Additionally, optimizing the AI chat responses to address sensitive topics effectively required thoughtful testing. Ensuring the platform maintained high accessibility standards to support a diverse user base was also challenging but essential.

Accomplishments that i'm proud of

One accomplishment I am proud of is the platform's impactful design that connects women with essential resources in their area, hoping to make a real positive difference. Another accomplishment is the user-centric approach in building the front end, focused on accessibility and privacy, ensuring that users feel safe and supported while using the platform.

What I learned

Throughout this project, I developed my skills in building full-stack applications, from frontend to backend. I learned how to work with APIs, particularly integrating Google Maps for location-based resources and Gemini for AI chat support. Something I had to explore was designing for accessibility, ensuring that the platform is easy to use for all women, especially those in vulnerable situations.

What's next for WomenWelfare

Moving forward, WomenWelfare aims to expand its reach and enhance its features to better serve women in need. We hope to improve the AI chat tool to provide more personalized and nuanced responses for sensitive health inquiries, as well as offering multilingual support to reach a broader audience. We also want to expand the categories displayed in our map, including mental health services, support groups, etc. I also hope to develop a secure, community-driven forum where women can share their experiences, offer advice, and connect with others facing similar challenges.

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