Empowering Women with Tech: The Fight Against Gender-Based Violence in South Africa

South Africa’s battle with gender-based violence (GBV) is intensifying, with alarming statistics revealing that one in three women will experience physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime. Amid this crisis, Peaches—a 35-year-old sex worker—is determined to make a difference. Having personally faced police abuse, she is working on an innovative AI-powered app aimed at protecting women in danger.

The app, developed by the nonprofit GRIT (Gender Rights in Tech), features a panic button that sends alerts to private security for immediate help. It also includes a secure evidence vault for users to store crucial documentation such as photos, videos, and police reports. One of its most innovative features is Zuzi, an AI-driven chatbot that can offer support and guidance for survivors of GBV. This app will be showcased at the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris later this month.

“I hope this app will offer a sense of hope… that my human rights should be respected,” Peaches says, speaking anonymously for her safety.

The need for such an app is urgent. In 2023-2024 alone, South Africa reported more than 53,000 sexual offences, including over 42,500 rapes. Tragically, 5,578 women were murdered during the same period, a 34% increase from the previous year. Despite the rising violence, many survivors struggle to report their cases due to social stigma, fear of retribution, and insufficient support.

Peaches’ personal story adds weight to the cause. She describes a traumatic encounter with two police officers who forced her into sexual acts in exchange for freedom from arrest. “GRIT is not just a project; it’s a necessity,” says founder Leanora Tima. “We’re focused on creating tech-driven solutions that empower survivors, offering them the urgent help, legal guidance, and emotional support they desperately need.”

The app also aims to break down common roadblocks to help, such as lack of access to resources and information. GRIT lead researcher Zanele Sokatsha emphasizes that many victims face barriers when trying to get assistance. These barriers include being turned away by authorities or not knowing where to seek help.

For Thato, a woman in her 30s, it took years of physical abuse before she learned about the support available. “It was a coach at my football team who helped me find the courage to speak out,” she shares. “I had no idea there were organisations that could help me.”

The GRIT app has been developed with feedback from survivors like Thato and Peaches. It includes a map of nearby clinics and shelters, ensuring that women have easy access to resources, even from the safety of their homes. The app is free and has already attracted 12,000 users.

One of the app’s unique features is its offline functionality. Once downloaded, users can access the app without data, a feature aimed at making it accessible to women in rural areas or those unable to afford mobile plans. The app will also offer Zuzi, a chatbot that was initially designed to provide practical information like how to apply for a protection order. After receiving feedback, Zuzi’s capabilities were expanded to offer emotional support and advice on intimate issues.

While technological solutions are vital, experts emphasize the need for broader societal change to address the root causes of GBV. Craig Wilkinson, founder of Father A Nation, believes that addressing the way boys are raised can help reduce abuse rates. “No boy is born an abuser,” Wilkinson explains. “There’s something going wrong in the journey from boy to man.”

The fight against GBV requires a multi-faceted approach that includes both supporting survivors and preventing further violence. “We need more programs focused not just on victim support, but also on perpetrator prevention,” says Sandile Masiza, a GBV Response Team coordinator.

The GRIT app is a step forward in addressing these issues. By combining technology with education and support, it offers women a lifeline in a society where violence against women remains alarmingly common.

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