Inspiration
The inspiration behind SheNeeds was to address the issue of menstrual hygiene and the lack of access to sanitary products for many girls and women, especially in underprivileged communities. We wanted to create a platform that could facilitate the donation and distribution of sanitary pads to those in need, as well as raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene. Our goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of those who struggle with this issue, and promote gender equality and empowerment.
What it does
SheNeeds is a web application that aims to address the issue of menstrual hygiene and lack of access to sanitary products for girls and women in underprivileged communities. The app allows users to donate sanitary pads to schools and individuals in need, and find nearest drop-off locations to do so. Users in need can submit a request form and find nearby drop-off locations to receive the donations. The app also provides information about menstruation, encourages users to volunteer, and share the cause on social media. The home page displays statistics about the number of donations made, the number of girls helped and in need, and future plans to partner with organizations that make biodegradable sanitary pads. Overall, SheNeeds provides a platform for people to contribute to a cause that promotes gender equality and empowers women.
How we built it
Front-end development: The user interface was built using React, which allows for creating reusable components and handling state management. The components were designed to be mobile-responsive and intuitive to use.
Database: We used Firebase as a database to store the organizations and drop off locations data.
Maps Integration: We used Google Maps API to display the nearest drop-off locations for users to donate and for users in need to pick up donations.
Social Media Integration: We integrated social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to enable users to share about the cause and encourage their friends and followers to contribute.
Biodegradable Sanitary Pads Partner: In the future, SheNeeds plans to partner with organizations run by women that make biodegradable sanitary pads.
Overall, SheNeeds was built using React for front-end development, a serverless architecture for back-end development, Google Maps API for maps integration, social media integration, and plans for future partnerships to create a web application that facilitates donations, educates users about menstruation and helps promote gender equality.
Challenges we ran into
During the development of SheNeeds, our team faced several challenges. One of the biggest challenges was integrating the Google Maps API into the application to show users the nearest drop-off locations. It required a thorough understanding of the API documentation and proper implementation in the application. Additionally, testing the application comprehensively was challenging, as it involved multiple components and interactions. Designing an aesthetically pleasing and intuitive user interface was another hurdle, as we wanted to ensure that the app was user-friendly. Finally, time management was a critical challenge as we had to deliver the project within a strict timeline. Overall, we overcame these challenges by working collaboratively, conducting research, and seeking assistance from mentors and online resources.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We are proud of several accomplishments that we achieved while developing SheNeeds. Firstly, we are delighted to have developed an application that addresses a significant social issue, providing a platform for individuals and organizations to donate sanitary pads to schools and individuals in need. Secondly, we are proud of creating an intuitive user interface that is user-friendly, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Integrating the Google Maps API was a significant accomplishment, as it enabled us to show users the nearest drop-off locations. We are proud to have facilitated user engagement by providing opportunities to volunteer, share the cause on social media, and access information about menstruation. Finally, we are excited to plan partnerships with organizations making biodegradable sanitary pads, contributing to sustainable and environmentally friendly use of these products. These accomplishments have made SheNeeds a platform for social change, and we are proud of our contribution to this cause.
What we learned
Developing SheNeeds was a tremendous learning experience for our team. Firstly, we learned about the importance of thorough research and planning before starting a project. Understanding the needs of our target audience and the technical requirements of the project was crucial for successful development. Secondly, we learned about the importance of collaboration and communication, as working on a team project requires effective communication to ensure all members are on the same page. We also learned how to integrate third-party APIs and tools to enhance the functionality of the application. Finally, we gained experience in developing an application that can make a positive social impact, which was a fulfilling experience for our team. Overall, SheNeeds taught us several valuable lessons about software development, team collaboration, and social responsibility, and we look forward to applying these learnings to future projects.
What's next for SheNeeds
We are excited about the future of SheNeeds and plan to continue improving and expanding the platform. Firstly, we want to increase the number of drop-off locations and expand our reach to more areas. We aim to collaborate with more organizations, schools, and universities to increase awareness of the platform and encourage more donations. Secondly, we plan to develop a mobile application for SheNeeds, which will make it more accessible to users and enable them to access the platform more easily. Thirdly, we want to partner with organizations that make biodegradable sanitary pads, contributing to sustainable and environmentally friendly use of these products. Finally, we want to continue improving the user experience by incorporating user feedback and adding new features that can enhance the functionality of the platform. We believe that SheNeeds has great potential for creating positive social impact, and we look forward to continuing this journey.
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