UNFPA trials innovative new menstrual watch with IMMI

27 May 2022

Two teenagers receive training on how to use their IMMI watch in Moldova. © UNFPA Moldova

Some 300 adolescent girls and young women across Burkina Faso and Moldova will trial IMMI Watch, the first digital watch to track a menstrual cycle without an app, in a new UNFPA partnership launched today.

The young women will use and monitor their experience of the period-tracking watches from June to November 2022 as part of UNFPA programmes focused on menstrual health management.

The partnership is linked to UNFPA’s work with governments to implement comprehensive sexuality education, both in and outside of schools, through community-based training and outreach. The IMMI watch aims to empower adolescent girls and women with information and knowledge about their menstrual cycle, particularly those who live in rural communities without stable internet access or electricity.

IMMI has created the first battery-powered digital watch that tracks your menstrual cycle without an app. Low-tech menstrual tracking solutions designed by women are essential to help adolescents normalize tracking your menstrual cycle. Enabling young people to protect and advocate for their health and well-being through greater knowledge is essential to them being able to exercise their bodily autonomy.

Ana, one of the participants from Moldova said: “I am interested in being part of this initiative as I think the watch will remind me about the starting day of my period, which I often forget about. I want to be prepared.”

“This pilot with IMMI is an exciting step in our efforts to tackle the stigma of menstruation through a range of innovative collaborations harnessing film, fashion and new technologies,” said UNFPA’s London Representation Office Chief Matt Jackson, who instigated the partnership.

Sarah Cottee, founder of IMMI, said: “On Menstrual Hygiene Day, we are challenging the myths and stigmas around periods. Through this partnership with UNFPA we're focused on empowering girls to gain a complete understanding of their cycle so they can continue to educate themselves and their communities”