What it does
Sakhi is an app-in-development that helps users find verified, period-friendly washrooms. It addresses the urgent need for clean, safe, and accessible public hygiene spaces tailored to the needs of menstruating individuals.
Your inspiration
The idea came from lived experiences — moments when I, or people around us, struggled to find a clean, dignified place during menstruation. Public spaces rarely account for period needs. As a CS students passionate about impact and inclusion, I envisioned Sakhi as a solution that blends tech and community to restore period dignity in everyday spaces. I chose the name "Sakhi" to reflect trust, friendship, and solidarity — the very values I want this platform to represent.
How it works
Sakhi will use a map-based interface to help users find nearby washrooms that are period-friendly, i.e., stocked with pads, hygienic, private, and safe. Users can see reviews, filter by amenities (pad availability, disposal bin, lighting, etc.), and suggest new locations. The initial version will be crowdsourced and verified through local college ambassadors and volunteers using a standard checklist. Verified locations will receive a “Sakhi Approved” tag. My goal is to use Google Maps API, Firebase backend, and Flutter for a cross-platform app. The system will remain light on tech but heavy on trust, powered by real people and on-ground knowledge.
Design process
I began by identifying a gap in public infrastructure: most washroom-related tools focus on general cleanliness, not menstruation-specific needs. I spoke to peers, surveyed common issues like lack of pad availability or disposal bins, and sketched basic user journeys. I then outlined a set of must-have features — a live map, filterable criteria (e.g. "has pads"), and a submission system for new spaces. I also mapped out a verification process where people can become "Sakhi Scouts" — local users who help verify new locations using a standardized checklist. I created rough paper wireframes and a basic Figma concept, and I'm currently validating this concept with users across different cities before moving toward a clickable prototype. The focus from day one has been on making it simple, scalable, and human-centered.
How it is different
Sakhi differs from existing sanitation apps by being centered on menstruation rather than general access to toilets. Most apps in this space either rely on commercial partnerships or paid access — Sakhi is designed to be free, open, and crowd-verified. It focuses on public and semi-public spaces — like metro stations, parks, or college campuses — not just private cafes or salons. It also brings in a community element, where users themselves can contribute, verify, and review locations. Unlike solutions that target only women, Sakhi is inclusive of all who menstruate, including trans and non-binary individuals. Its grassroots verification model, paired with minimal tech dependency, makes it uniquely scalable across urban and rural spaces alike.
Future plans
My next step is to build a basic prototype and test it within a college campus and one urban public zone. I plan to recruit a small group of volunteers to pilot the verification system and gather initial listings. I’ll then develop the mobile app, begin social media outreach, and look for partnerships with hygiene brands and CSR programs. In the long run, I aim to make Sakhi a go-to hygiene resource for menstruators across the world.
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