Studio Samuel: A Decade of Empowering Girls and Breaking Barriers in Ethiopia

Empowering Girls, One App at a Time

Imagine a world where every girl, regardless of where she's born, has the chance to go to school, learn, and grow without barriers. That's the world Studio Samuel envisions as they celebrate their 10th anniversary and the launch of an innovative menstrual health app, Yewer Abeba. This remarkable milestone aligns with the celebration of International Day of the Girl on October 11, 2025, underlining the theme "The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis."

The Yewer Abeba App: A Leap Towards Ending Period Poverty

In Ethiopia, where menstruation is a leading cause of school absenteeism among adolescent girls, Studio Samuel’s Yewer Abeba app emerges as a beacon of hope. It's not just any app; it's a free menstrual health educational tool designed by girls, for girls. This initiative directly addresses the stigmas and challenges surrounding menstruation that often keep girls out of the classroom, putting the power of education and dignity back into their hands. Available for free download on Google Play from October 11, Yewer Abeba is poised to make a significant impact, offering features like a period tracker, health resources, and the Kalkidan avatar, all without the need for wifi once downloaded.

Studio Samuel’s Decade of Dedication

Since opening its doors in 2015, Studio Samuel has been a beacon of hope and transformation in Ethiopia, reaching over 25,000 girls with their Training for Tomorrow program. This program goes beyond traditional education, incorporating vocational and digital skills, healthcare access, and a holistic approach to personal development. The organization's vision of empowering girls to reach their potential has led to remarkable outcomes, including graduates enrolling in college, gaining meaningful employment, and driving change within their communities.

Community-Led, Globally Supported

Studio Samuel’s approach is deeply rooted in community engagement, ensuring that the solutions they provide are not only effective but also culturally relevant and supported by the community. The launch of Yewer Abeba is a testament to this, designed with input from students, families, and medical experts, ensuring privacy and trust by not collecting personal data. This collaborative effort, powered by MakeADifference.tech, highlights the organization’s commitment to leveraging technology for social impact.

A Vision for the Future

As Studio Samuel looks towards the future, their goal is ambitious but clear: to reach one million girls by 2035. This vision is not just about numbers; it's about real, impactful change in the lives of girls and their communities. It's about breaking the cycles of child marriage, trafficking, and child labor by providing girls with the tools they need to lead safe, educated, and empowered lives. The introduction of Yewer Abeba is a significant step in this journey, offering a practical solution to one of the many barriers girls face in pursuit of their education.

Studio Samuel’s ten-year anniversary is not just a celebration of what they’ve achieved but a powerful reminder of the work that still lies ahead. It's a call to action for donors, corporations, and global partners to join the movement to end period poverty and support girls' education across Africa. Together, we can ensure that every girl has the opportunity to be the student, the leader, and the changemaker she is meant to be.