GRIT’s new app empowers South African women facing gender-based violence by offering emergency support, resources, and an AI-driven chatbot, providing hope amid the country’s rising abuse rates.
In the fight against South Africa’s alarming rates of gender-based violence (GBV), a new app developed by the nonprofit Gender Rights In Tech (GRIT) is offering a lifeline to women caught in abusive situations.
The innovative mobile platform, created to empower survivors, includes several features designed to offer immediate help, including an emergency panic button that deploys private security, an evidence vault to store critical information, and a resource center.
With over 53,000 sexual offences reported in 2023-24 alone, including more than 42,500 cases of rape, and 5,578 women murdered in the same period, South Africa remains one of the most dangerous places for women in the world.
Peaches, a 35-year-old sex worker who requested anonymity to protect her identity, is one of many South African women who will benefit from the app.
She shared her experience of being sexually violated by police officers, explaining how, to avoid arrest for prostitution, she was forced to give two officers “services for free.”
Her harrowing story is one of many, as statistics show that a third of South African women will experience physical or sexual violence during their lives.
GRIT’s founder, Leanora Tima, was inspired to develop the app after witnessing the barriers women face when seeking help.
“I wanted to create tech-driven solutions that empower survivors, ensuring they receive the urgent help, legal guidance, and emotional support they need without barriers,” Tima said.
The app’s design is informed by the real-life experiences of women like Peaches and others who gathered in late January for a workshop in Johannesburg to discuss updates to the platform.
The app’s features were crafted with direct input from survivors, including a map of nearby clinics and shelters, as well as the digital vault where users can store evidence like photos, videos, and police reports, all of which are protected on GRIT’s servers.
One of the standout additions to the app is the inclusion of an AI-driven chatbot called Zuzi, which will soon be launched at the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris.
Originally intended to provide practical information on things like how to apply for a protection order, Zuzi’s capabilities have been expanded to offer emotional support as well, allowing users to discuss personal matters such as health and safety.
Thato, another woman who participated in the workshop, shared her story of enduring years of physical abuse at the hands of her stepfather.
She explained how she only discovered that help was available when her coach took her to an anti-GBV event, where she learned about organizations offering support for women in situations like hers.
She emphasized the importance of accessible resources for women, particularly those facing abuse in their homes.
With many cases of GBV going unreported due to stigma or victims being turned away by authorities, the GRIT app aims to bridge the gap by providing immediate access to resources and support, directly from the safety of users’ homes.
The app is free to download, funded by generous donations from organizations like the Gates Foundation and Expertise France.
It is designed to work without requiring data, making it accessible even in rural areas or for women who cannot afford phone plans.
Since its launch, the app has gained traction, already attracting 12,000 users. Its success lies not only in the ease of use and immediate response features but also in the way it empowers women to take control of their situation.
One woman at the workshop declared, “It will save lives.”
For Peaches, the app represents more than just a tool – it is a symbol of hope and a reminder that women’s rights should always be upheld. “This app is going to give me hope… that my human rights should be considered,” she said.
Despite the app’s success, South Africa’s rates of gender-based violence remain disturbingly high. Experts attribute the problem to a complex combination of factors, including a history of colonization, gender inequality, economic pressures, and a culture of male dominance.
According to Sandile Masiza, coordinator of Johannesburg’s GBV Response Team, there is a need for more comprehensive programs that not only support victims but also address the root causes of violence by focusing on perpetrator prevention.
GRIT’s app is a powerful example of how technology can be harnessed to combat gender-based violence, providing critical support and resources to women in dire need.
However, experts argue that combating GBV requires more than just technological innovation. “Society has normalized violence against women and girls,” said Jennifer Acio, a GBV specialist with UN Women.
“That’s why we keep sharing information and trying to empower women… to know what is an abuse of their rights, to know when to report.”
While the app is a step in the right direction, there is still much work to be done to tackle the deep-rooted societal issues contributing to South Africa’s high rates of gender-based violence.
With more support and continued innovation, however, initiatives like GRIT’s app could play a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of abuse and offering women the safety and empowerment they deserve.
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