Free online period tracker app for Filipino adolescents launched

The Oky Philippines Period Tracker App, a free mobile application where young Filipinas can track their menstrual cycle and learn evidence-based information about reproductive health, was launched on Friday, May 26, in line with the upcoming worldwide celebration of Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28.

It was developed by Filipina developers based on Oky, the world's first-ever period tracker app "for girls created with girls."

Oky Philippines was co-created by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), supported by Plan International and the Australian government through its 48 million Australian dollars Indo-pacific Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Covid-19 Response Program, in partnership with the Department of Education (Deped), the Department of Health (DOH), the Commission on Population and Development (Popcom), and the National Youth Commission.

Aside from accurate tracking of the menstrual cycle, the app also aims to raise awareness of the changes and health challenges faced by women during their period.

Among the Oky Philippines' features are a menstrual cycle calendar, an encyclopedia where users can search and read information about menstrual health, quizzes, and Islamic content approved by officials from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao where the app was initially introduced on March 16.

To make the platform suitable for Filipinos, the Oky Philippines team consulted with girls and even boys from different sectors of society, such as indigenous groups, out-of-school youths, and children with special needs.

UNICEF noted that the app is available nationwide, can be sent to other mobile devices via Bluetooth, and can be used without internet access.

UNICEF Philippines Deputy Representative Behzad Noubary said in his speech that having access to accurate information about this matter is essential, especially since the number of teenage pregnancies in the country is still high.

Noubary added that the organizations involved will encourage schools, social welfare groups, local government, private sector, youth groups, parents, and community leaders to help disseminate information about menstrual health.

Australian Embassy Manila Counsellor for Development Cooperation Thanh Lee said that app is just a tool and agencies and groups must do more to promote reproductive and sexual health.

The development process of the app has set a "new standard" for advocates, said Plan International Country Director Ana Maria Locsin.

The challenge they now have to overcome is revisiting their programs and opening more avenues for children to participate and collaborate on their menstrual health topics, she said.