Press Release
UNFPA, Organon and MIT Solve announce the 14 winners of the 4HerPower Challenge
08 January 2024
Press Release
08 January 2024
New York, 8 January 2024 - UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, Organon, a global healthcare company focused on women's health, and MIT Solve, an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, are pleased to announce the 14 winners of the 4HerPower Challenge: Innovating for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.
Launched in 2023, the 4HerPower Challenge aims to find, fund and support innovative solutions that improve access to contraception and reproductive health in low- and middle-income countries, prioritizing the unique needs of adolescent girls and young women. The challenge attracted 375 submissions spanning the globe, with an impressive 291 women-led solutions.
Following a rigorous selection process by the expert panel of judges, 14 winners were selected, representing a diverse pool of innovations that seek to impact the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people. “Each solution reflects a commitment to support through innovation the health and well-being of young women and girls, empowering them in the process,” said Nigina Muntean, Chief of the Innovation Unit at UNFPA.
The winners will now embark on a six-month support programme financed by a collective USD 280,000. This programme, led by MIT Solve in collaboration with UNFPA and Organon, is designed to propel these solutions, catalyzing meaningful, equitable, and sustainable advancements in sexual and reproductive health for young people.
The 14 winners of the 4HerPower Challenge are:
For media inquiries, please contact: Zina Alam: zialam@unfpa.org;
About UNFPA
UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. Our mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. We promote gender equality and empower women, girls and young people to take control of their bodies and their futures. We work with partners in more than 150 countries to provide access to a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services.
About Organon
Organon is a global health care company with a focus on women's health. Organon offers more than 60 medicines and products in women’s health in addition to a growing biosimilars business and a large franchise of established medicines across a range of therapeutic areas. Organon has a global footprint, with a presence in more than 140 markets, and approximately 10,000 employees with headquarters located in Jersey City, New Jersey.
For more information, visit http://www.organon.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, X (formally known as Twitter) and Facebook.
About MIT Solve
Solve is an initiative of MIT. We believe that to achieve a more sustainable and equitable future for all, we need new voices and ideas. We launch open calls for exceptional and diverse solutions to the most pressing global challenges, from anyone, anywhere in the world. Selected innovators get the backing of MIT and our community of supporters to scale their impact and drive lasting change. Join us on this mission. Submit your solution. Support our work. Fund your own challenge.