Myanmar was seen as the last frontier in mobile communications until recently when the government opened its doors to foreign telecommunications firms. One of its largest contractors, mobile network Ooredoo, has partnered with PSI and KoeKoe, a Myanmar tech-startup, to target pregnant women, their partners and family, and young parents in the Southeast Asian country. The mobile phone app, called MayMay, periodically sends push notifications about pregnancy, maternal health and child health to those in Myanmar who need it most.
MayMay recently received a Bronze Stevie Award for Women In Business for best new product or service of the year in the consumer products category, chosen from among more than 1,200 entries. If you think that’s impressive, consider that Ooredoo only launched its Myanmar 3G network in August 2014.
Dr Nasser Marafih, Group CEO, Ooredoo commented: “We believe every woman should have an equal opportunity to use a mobile phone and to benefit from this connectivity. We are delighted to receive this award for the “MayMay” app which we think is a prime example of how mobile technology can be harnessed to improve access to essential information. We have taken a lead in providing life-enhancing services for women and this initiative is a great example of our efforts to support the greater inclusion of women and to accelerate the female digital economy across our markets.”
