Kristine, this is so exciting. I can't wait to watch the Lifeplayer launch this April! Have you worked with TeachAIDS - I know they do a great job of developing language/culture specific content for AIDS education. Congrats on your great work, and thanks for entering!
It is funny that I have one of these radio sets on my desk. I did not even realise it was the same thing until I read the mention of the word Freeplay. My organisation once partnered with the then freeplay on a project, it is so exciting that you now have a women focused initiative and do hope we can connect somehow.
On May 27, 2010 the judges reviewed the entries for the Changemakers Women Tools Technology: Building Opportunities and Economic Power competition and would like to pass on the following feedback (listed below) for your entry. Thank you for applying and for your hard work in the field. We are excited to archive your entry to serve as a leading solution for the worldwide community of innovators. We wish you continued luck with your innovative, sustainable, and socially impactful initiatives.
All the best, The Changemakers Team
“It’s wonderful how women were involved in every aspect of this project - it was very innovative. I thought it had such large social impact because the women were given the agency to construct what they’re hearing, how they’re hearing it, and who could listen. I also liked the way the business plan was separated into non-profit and for-profit so that you could see the initiative’s sustainability.”
“It’s so important that this mp3 player allows women to record content themselves and come together in groups as well as provide a space where they can ask each other questions. Not only is it important but extremely impactful when women can listen and learn at their own convenience.”
“One of the great lessons that we have learned from working with women for many years is that enabling them to get into groups to problem solve together can be extremely empowering. I felt that this technology effectively allows women to do that.”
- Changemakers Women Tools Technology: Building Opportunities and Economic Power Judges
This seems like a very innovative idea, which could really enhance education for women in rural areas. I was just wondering if you could tell me more about the financial structure of the project. You said that you are going to create a for-profit trading company for the Lifeplayer. Will the women also be in charge of that aspect of the program? Will women be able to sell and distribute the Lifeplayer, or will they just be the recipients of the Lifeplayer? Is there a direct route for women to gain economic advancement through the use of the Lifeplayer, or is it a more indirect connection through the knowledge they gain through using the Lifeplayer?
Thanks so much and good luck in the competition!
-Allie
Hello Allie. Thank you for your question(s). Lifeline Energy has established a new product development and trading arm for all our products, not just the Lifeplayer. Women will have great control over the content that they want, but given the cost of the device and our model for distribution, it doesn't really work for women to sell them. There are duty and VAT issues, amongst others that are complicated. They will be in charge of distribution on the ground and often of training, in addition to content creation. They will gain economic empowerment through content access and availability, which is critical and key. Women can learn how to set up a business, about credit, micro-finance, banks, you name it. Our lighting initiatives will be focused on women earning incoming in addition to environmental impacts. Thank you for your good wishes. Kristine Pearson
Comments
Kristine, this is so exciting. I can't wait to watch the Lifeplayer launch this April! Have you worked with TeachAIDS - I know they do a great job of developing language/culture specific content for AIDS education. Congrats on your great work, and thanks for entering!
Hi Kristine,
It is funny that I have one of these radio sets on my desk. I did not even realise it was the same thing until I read the mention of the word Freeplay. My organisation once partnered with the then freeplay on a project, it is so exciting that you now have a women focused initiative and do hope we can connect somehow.
Well done!
Lerato
I got one too!
On May 27, 2010 the judges reviewed the entries for the Changemakers Women Tools Technology: Building Opportunities and Economic Power competition and would like to pass on the following feedback (listed below) for your entry. Thank you for applying and for your hard work in the field. We are excited to archive your entry to serve as a leading solution for the worldwide community of innovators. We wish you continued luck with your innovative, sustainable, and socially impactful initiatives.
All the best, The Changemakers Team
“It’s wonderful how women were involved in every aspect of this project - it was very innovative. I thought it had such large social impact because the women were given the agency to construct what they’re hearing, how they’re hearing it, and who could listen. I also liked the way the business plan was separated into non-profit and for-profit so that you could see the initiative’s sustainability.”
“It’s so important that this mp3 player allows women to record content themselves and come together in groups as well as provide a space where they can ask each other questions. Not only is it important but extremely impactful when women can listen and learn at their own convenience.”
“One of the great lessons that we have learned from working with women for many years is that enabling them to get into groups to problem solve together can be extremely empowering. I felt that this technology effectively allows women to do that.”
- Changemakers Women Tools Technology: Building Opportunities and Economic Power Judges
Hi,
This seems like a very innovative idea, which could really enhance education for women in rural areas. I was just wondering if you could tell me more about the financial structure of the project. You said that you are going to create a for-profit trading company for the Lifeplayer. Will the women also be in charge of that aspect of the program? Will women be able to sell and distribute the Lifeplayer, or will they just be the recipients of the Lifeplayer? Is there a direct route for women to gain economic advancement through the use of the Lifeplayer, or is it a more indirect connection through the knowledge they gain through using the Lifeplayer?
Thanks so much and good luck in the competition!
-Allie
Hello Allie. Thank you for your question(s). Lifeline Energy has established a new product development and trading arm for all our products, not just the Lifeplayer. Women will have great control over the content that they want, but given the cost of the device and our model for distribution, it doesn't really work for women to sell them. There are duty and VAT issues, amongst others that are complicated. They will be in charge of distribution on the ground and often of training, in addition to content creation. They will gain economic empowerment through content access and availability, which is critical and key. Women can learn how to set up a business, about credit, micro-finance, banks, you name it. Our lighting initiatives will be focused on women earning incoming in addition to environmental impacts. Thank you for your good wishes. Kristine Pearson
Post new comment