Path to the Problem Statement

The route to our final problem statement was anything but a linear path. We were a team of six, each from a different place and each with an SDG that they wanted to tackle. But, we had to present only one final problem statement with a corresponding problem statement.

In talking to everyone I quickly realized that everyone was passionate about SDG 5: Gender Equality. We closed in on our "what, why, and who." We decided on the stigma and public shaming surrounding Transgender Men who need to purchase who need menstrual products. Our solution? Gender Neutral Menstrual Products. However, when I looked into this solution with a closer eye, a lot of holes in our solution began to appear. Public perception cannot be changed by changing the packaging. As a matter of fact, it would only make trans men feel targeted and cornered. Upon further research, it became clear that the stigma around our identified problem statement was little to none in the current political climate and increased acceptance with the society.

With our initial idea being scrapped, it was time to brainstorm. Being college students ourselves, we knew that there was a huge problem with substance abuse and addiction to alcohol, narcotics, and other drugs. Here, I quickly realized that there was a serious issue of feasibility. The solution to addiction-related problems vastly varies based on every individual stemming from psychological issues to living conditions. Tackling this would require the undivided attention of specialists in such fields to guide and ensure no one relapses. This was yet again, struck down.

In our next brainstorming session, it hit me. A prior conversation we had about the movie " The Perfect Date." With that in my mind, I wrote up an idea to connect college kids with the elderly and the team was immediately on board. We were all determined to make this work. And alas, we did!