Technology

The silent pandemic

Using technology and connectivity to tackle gender-based violence.

31 March 2021

Big technology companies are stepping up in the global fight against gender-based violence (GBV). Sometimes referred to as a silent or shadow pandemic, both public and private enterprises are coming together and turning to technology to curb the escalating levels of violence against women in South Africa. According to recent, local statistics, over 40% of women experienced sexual or interpersonal violence. Technology has a fundamental role to play to curb this. While some forms of technology have increased the occurrence of GBV, there are other online initiatives and solutiondriven approaches making a noticeable difference.

In August last year, Microsoft sponsored an 11-week hackathon, called Safe@Home, challenging entrants to develop applications to tackle genderbased violence. The winning app, Combat against GBV, put together an interactive solution to educate women on what GBV is, as well as how to take action, and find help.

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