OKY Application: Created by girls for girls
The OKY app is also adolescence-friendly, not only tracking periods but also offering information and knowledge about menstruation hygiene management.
ORANGE FARM.- LoveLife, alongside several stakeholders, collaborated to host an event to launch the OKY App, which is a period tracker for girls, at the Orange Farm Y-Center on Friday.
The OKY App is the first-period tracker invented for girls by girls. The app provides information about menstruation in fun, creative, and positive ways, directly into girls’ hands through the tools they use every day on their mobile phones.
The app lets girls feel in control and more confident by tracking their periods and providing important information. The OKY app is also adolescence-friendly, not only tracking periods but also offering information and knowledge about menstruation hygiene management.
The partnering stakeholders included United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF); a representative from the National Department of Health; a representative from the Department of Education; Ward Councillor Mr. Zakariya; Mc Sthembenkosi Bikwa, also known as Bujy; a representative from the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Sipiwo Matsoba; Candice Chirwa; and LoveLife’s acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr Doreen Kosi.
Dr Sufang Guo, a member of UNICEF, said: “The app was developed by UNICEF headquarters in collaboration with various individuals working with innovations, water and sanitation hygiene, and gender at UNICEF. UNICEF began working with LoveLife in 2023, supporting the adaptation of the OKY app to the South African context. The app was initially developed in Eastern Asian areas and can be accessed everywhere without needing an internet connection.”
The primary aim of the event was to spread awareness and encourage more girls to use the app not only in South Africa but globally. The goal is to expand the app’s reach and improve education outcomes related to menstruation.
The OKY app was officially launched globally in 2020, first in Indonesia and Mongolia, and later in more African countries. Girls from Aha-Thuto Secondary School in Orange Farm also attended the event and received dignity packs.
They were educated about the app and menstrual cycles, and stakeholders discussed the app’s features.
Thilivhali Nivhadi, the Provincial Manager for Gauteng Province LoveLife, said: “The involvement enriches our access to young people in the country. We are exposed to their daily challenges regarding menstrual health and hygiene through our programs in and out of schools. This has given us firsthand experience with what young girls go through during their cycles.”
Three learners were allowed to share their experiences with the app, and one of them was Grade 11 learner Nothando Chamane, who stated: “I have been using the app for a few weeks and find it very helpful because it allows me to track my period. It is fun to use, with beautiful pictures and cartoons. The app helps me plan and have control over my menstrual cycle.”
