Stree- Awareness and Acceptance of Female Condoms

A design research project exploring women’s sexual health, perception & product acceptance in the Indian context.

Stree is a design research project exploring the low awareness and acceptance of female condoms in India. Through interviews, market studies, and cultural analysis, the project identifies barriers shaped by stigma and misinformation, reframing female condoms as symbols of empowerment and choice.

Design research

branding

packaging

Awareness Design

Social Issue

Health & Wellness

Guide:

Prof. Jagadish Kumar

Year:

2022

Duration:

Duration

6 Weeks

Problem Statement

Despite being available, female condoms remain largely unaccepted in India due to social stigma, limited awareness, and misconceptions—leaving women with fewer safe and autonomous options for protection, and contributing to increased rates of unintended pregnancies and abortions.
This project aimed to understand the need for awareness and acceptance of female condoms through design research.

Design Process

Sensitizing → Research → Interviews & Market Study → Reflection → Ideation → Understanding Brand Positioning → Feedback → Execution

Context and research

Context

In the Indian context, the use of female condoms is still not widely accepted or appreciated, despite the potential consequences of unsafe sex, including unintended pregnancies and HIV/AIDS.

Despite the existence of female condoms, it is puzzling that many women are not taking advantage of them to protect themselves.

Misconception 1
Female condoms are
difficult to use

While they may take a little practice, female condoms are easy to use once you're familiar with the insertion process, similar to learning how to use tampons or male condoms.
Misconception 2
Female condoms are uncomfortable

Female condoms are made from soft, flexible materials designed for comfort during intercourse, and many users report that they are barely noticeable when properly inserted.
Misconception 3
Female condoms are less effective
than male condoms

Female condoms are just as effective as male condoms when used correctly, providing up to 95% protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Misconception 4
Female condoms need to be combined with a male condom

Using both a female condom and a male condom together is not recommended, as this can increase the chance of breakage due to friction between the two barriers.
Misconception 5
Female condoms reduce pleasure

Many users find that female condoms can enhance pleasure, as they allow for greater sensation and more control, with the outer ring stimulating the external genitalia.
Misconception 1
Female condoms are
difficult to use

While they may take a little practice, female condoms are easy to use once you're familiar with the insertion process, similar to learning how to use tampons or male condoms.
Misconception 2
Female condoms are uncomfortable

Female condoms are made from soft, flexible materials designed for comfort during intercourse, and many users report that they are barely noticeable when properly inserted.
Misconception 3
Female condoms are less effective
than male condoms

Female condoms are just as effective as male condoms when used correctly, providing up to 95% protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Misconception 4
Female condoms need to be combined with a male condom

Using both a female condom and a male condom together is not recommended, as this can increase the chance of breakage due to friction between the two barriers.
Misconception 5
Female condoms reduce pleasure

Many users find that female condoms can enhance pleasure, as they allow for greater sensation and more control, with the outer ring stimulating the external genitalia.
Misconception 1
Female condoms are
difficult to use

While they may take a little practice, female condoms are easy to use once you're familiar with the insertion process, similar to learning how to use tampons or male condoms.
Misconception 2
Female condoms are uncomfortable

Female condoms are made from soft, flexible materials designed for comfort during intercourse, and many users report that they are barely noticeable when properly inserted.
Misconception 3
Female condoms are less effective
than male condoms

Female condoms are just as effective as male condoms when used correctly, providing up to 95% protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Misconception 4
Female condoms need to be combined with a male condom

Using both a female condom and a male condom together is not recommended, as this can increase the chance of breakage due to friction between the two barriers.
Misconception 5
Female condoms reduce pleasure

Many users find that female condoms can enhance pleasure, as they allow for greater sensation and more control, with the outer ring stimulating the external genitalia.
Misconception 1
Female condoms are
difficult to use

While they may take a little practice, female condoms are easy to use once you're familiar with the insertion process, similar to learning how to use tampons or male condoms.
Misconception 2
Female condoms are uncomfortable

Female condoms are made from soft, flexible materials designed for comfort during intercourse, and many users report that they are barely noticeable when properly inserted.
Misconception 3
Female condoms are less effective
than male condoms

Female condoms are just as effective as male condoms when used correctly, providing up to 95% protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Misconception 4
Female condoms need to be combined with a male condom

Using both a female condom and a male condom together is not recommended, as this can increase the chance of breakage due to friction between the two barriers.
Misconception 5
Female condoms reduce pleasure

Many users find that female condoms can enhance pleasure, as they allow for greater sensation and more control, with the outer ring stimulating the external genitalia.

Not displayed in Pharmacies like male condoms.

Can be really beneficial for sex workers and people indulging in casual sex.

80% People in urban settings have heard about it but doesnt know what it actually is and never used it.

People are scared to use as they aren't aware about process and usage.

"There is already a lot of taboo around female pleasure, for female condoms we need to change the narrative."

Varuna, Sexual Health Educator

"It puts them in charge of their sexuality but brands need to promote it in an educational way."

Dr. Shilpa Arora, Gynecologist

insights and solution

Key Insights

Low Awareness & Access: Most users have limited or no knowledge; even those aware find it hard to access due to poor availability and minimal visibility in stores.

Need for Wider Reach: Pharmacies must stock and display female condoms prominently; integration into regular contraceptive shelves can normalize use.

Right Information Channels: Gynecologists, schools, and colleges should distribute simple, factual brochures to build early awareness and correct misconceptions.

Shift in Perception: Brands and educators should reframe female condoms as tools of empowerment, safety, and shared responsibility, not stigma or taboo.

Solution

The solution focuses on building a brand that tackles low demand by creating awareness and improving accessibility. Through educational campaigns and relatable storytelling, it aims to normalize conversations around female condoms.

Discreet, user-friendly packaging ensures privacy and comfort, while clear, visual information helps users easily understand and use the product, making it more approachable and accessible to all.

Visual Design

Identity

Packaging

An iterative process of designing packaging graphics involved finding the balance between creating visuals that are exciting, inviting yet intimate, without crossing the line into vulgarity.

This required careful exploration of color, form, and messaging to ensure the design is both engaging and sensitive.

An iterative process of designing packaging graphics involved finding the balance between creating visuals that are exciting, inviting yet intimate, without crossing the line into vulgarity. This required careful exploration of color, form, and messaging to ensure the design is both engaging and sensitive.

User Manual

The user manual was developed with fun illustrations to make the instructions easy to read and understand. The packaging was designed to be discreet, making it easy to carry and dispose of after use.

To educate young girls, designed to give them a handy guide for sex education at school or at their gync, a brochure with information and resources.

Stree- Awareness and Acceptance of Female CondomsA design research project exploring women’s sexual health, perception & product acceptance in the Indian context.

Stree- Awareness and Acceptance of Female CondomsA design research project exploring women’s sexual health, perception & product acceptance in the Indian context.

Stree is a design research project exploring the low awareness and acceptance of female condoms in India. Through interviews, market studies, and cultural analysis, the project identifies barriers shaped by stigma and misinformation, reframing female condoms as symbols of empowerment and choice.

Problem Statement

Problem Statement

Design Process

Design Process

Sensitizing → Research → Interviews & Market Study → Reflection → Ideation → Understanding Brand Positioning → Feedback → Execution

Context

Context

In the Indian context, the use of female condoms is still not widely accepted or appreciated, despite the potential consequences of unsafe sex, including unintended pregnancies and HIV/AIDS.

Despite the existence of female condoms, it is puzzling that many women are not taking advantage of them to protect themselves.

Key Insights

Key Insights

Solution

Solution

Identity

Identity

Packaging

Packaging

User Manual

User Manual

The user manual was developed with fun illustrations to make the instructions easy to read and understand. The packaging was designed to be discreet, making it easy to carry and dispose of after use.

Stree- Awareness and Acceptance of Female Condoms

A design research project exploring women’s sexual health, perception & product acceptance in the Indian context.

Stree- Awareness and Acceptance of Female Condoms

A design research project exploring women’s sexual health, perception & product acceptance in the Indian context.