SBC101 case
MaToiLette: An Entrepreneurial Constructionist Initiative to Improve the Lives of People with Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Introduction
Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) affect many a large community of peeple in Canada, with around 300,000 individuals affected by these conditions. The symptoms of IBD can be very severe, including fecal incontinence, which is often stigmatized and considered taboo in society. The frequency of urgent visits to the toilet for an IBD patient can vary depending of the severity of his disease with an interval from 1 to 20 times per day. This frequency can quickly become a mental and social health problem, as patients may avoid urban areas due to the stress of finding toilets, affecting their social interactions and mental well-being.
MaToiLette Initiative
The MaToiLette initiative is an entrepreneurial constructionist project that aims to address this issue by mobilizing local resources working at a mezzo level and improving the accessibility of toilets for individuals with IBD in urban areas. The project involves working with the local chamber of commerce, merchants, CNSETT and government to identify and collaborate with resources that can help improve the availability and accessibility of toilets in the IBD community.
To achieve its goals, MaToiLette leverages government grants and loans to fund initiatives such as the accessibility of public restrooms in many stores throughout the city, as well as the provision of grants to local businesses to help people who suffer from IBD by letting them access their toilette. Additionally, the initiative involves collaborating with local businesses and organizations to raise awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with IBD and to encourage the provision of accessible toilet facilities. A big educative phase will be necessary to let all the stakeholders understand the reality of the people who suffer from fecal incontinence by sharing empathy. The beauty of the project MaToiLette is that we do no create anything new, but we want to reuse existing resources (store toilette) to help the IBD community.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
One of the MaToiLette project objectif is to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. The initiative intent to improve the quality of life of individuals suffering from IBD by addressing a crucial issue that affects their mental and physical well-being. By improving the accessibility of toilets in urban areas, MaToiLette aims to reduce the stigma and isolation associated with IBD and improve the social and economic participation of affected individuals.
Conclusion
The MaToiLette initiative is an excellent example of how an entrepreneurial constructionist project can leverage local resources to address crucial societal issues. By working collaboratively with local businesses, organizations, and government, the project aims to improve the quality of life of individuals with IBD and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
References:
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“Ulcerative Colitis.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 23 Apr. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ulcerative-colitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353326.
“IBD Prevalence in Canada.” Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, www.crohnsandcolitis.ca/About-Crohn-s-Colitis/IBD-in-Canada/IBD-Prevalence-in-Canada.
“The Sustainable Development Goals.” United Nations, United Nations, 2021, www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/.
“Entrepreneurial Constructionism.” Transformative Entrepreneurship, 27 Apr. 2021, www.transformative-entrepreneurship.org/constructive-entrepreneurship/.
“Chamber of Commerce.” Investopedia, 16 Feb. 2021, www.investopedia.com/terms/c/chamber-of-commerce.asp.
“Government Grants and Loans.” Canada Business, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 22 Mar. 2021, www.canada.ca/en/services/business/grants.html.
“Social Constructionism.” Simply Psychology, 2017, www.simplypsychology.org/social-constructionism.html.