Nour Emam, a pioneering Egyptian fem-tech entrepreneur, has been named to the BBC 100 Women 2024 list, solidifying her position as a trailblazer in women’s healthcare and sexual health education. As the co-founder and CEO of Motherbeing, a fem-tech company, Emam is dedicated to breaking down the cultural barriers surrounding reproductive health and sexual awareness in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Empowering Women with Knowledge and Access
Emam’s work focuses on tackling subjects that have long been considered taboo in the MENA region, such as menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and sexual awareness. Despite the sensitivities surrounding these topics, Emam has made it her mission to empower women with evidence-based knowledge, enabling them to take control of their health and well-being.
Through Motherbeing, Emam offers hybrid services that combine the traditional in-person clinic model in Cairo with a digital platform, making it easier for women to access accurate information and healthcare services. By utilizing technology, Emam has created a more accessible and inclusive environment for women to discuss and address their sexual and reproductive health concerns without the fear of shame.
Challenging Taboos and Improving Healthcare Access
One of Emam’s key goals is to bridge the gap in access to reliable healthcare information in the region. Women in the MENA region often face challenges when it comes to obtaining accurate and culturally sensitive information about contraception, menstrual health, and sexual well-being. Through Motherbeing, Emam strives to address these challenges by providing women with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their health.
By combining the advantages of digital technology with the personalized care of a physical clinic, Motherbeing offers a holistic approach to sexual health education. The clinic, located in Cairo, serves as a safe space where women can receive confidential consultations, while the digital platform extends these services to women across the region, many of whom may not have access to such resources locally.
A Vision for the Future
Emam’s vision extends beyond just providing information—she is determined to create a cultural shift. In many parts of the MENA region, conversations about sexual health and women’s bodies are often silenced or viewed with shame. Nour Emam’s work is instrumental in normalizing these conversations and making essential health services more accessible. She is committed to helping women navigate sensitive issues, whether it’s understanding contraception, addressing menstrual concerns, or learning about their reproductive health.
With the backing of Motherbeing’s innovative approach, Emam is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the fem-tech space, ensuring that women are not only informed but also empowered to make decisions that benefit their health.
The Impact of Nour Emam’s Work
Nour Emam’s inclusion in the BBC 100 Women 2024 list is a testament to her dedication and the impact of her work. Through her leadership, Emam is not only changing the way women in Egypt and the MENA region access healthcare but is also challenging deeply ingrained societal norms. Her work highlights the importance of integrating technology into healthcare and creating accessible, stigma-free spaces for women to seek the information they need.
As Emam continues to champion women’s rights to knowledge and healthcare, her influence is likely to expand beyond Egypt, setting an example for other regions where women’s sexual and reproductive health has often been overlooked. In the future, Emam hopes to expand Motherbeing’s services to reach even more women across the MENA region, providing them with the healthcare they deserve, free from fear or shame.
Through Motherbeing, Emam is empowering women in Egypt and the MENA region by providing them with evidence-based knowledge and a platform for confidential health support. Her work is breaking barriers, challenging taboos, and paving the way for a future where women’s sexual and reproductive health is no longer stigmatized but prioritized.
