AI-enhanced gender-based violence reporting and response

Written By Frontier Tech Hub

THE QUESTION

Can an AI-powered chatbot provide immediate support to victims of gender-based violence?

LOCATION: Malawi
SECTOR: Human Rights and Democracy
TECH: AI, Digital Tools and Services
TIMELINE: September 2024 - Present
PIONEER: Singalilwe Chilemba
PARTNERS: GenHub Malawi

 
 

The Challenge

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a profound issue in Malawi. A 2020 UNICEF survey revealed that 42% of women in Malawi have experienced physical violence from a partner—far above the global average of 27%. Malawi also ranks high in incidents of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and harmful practices such as sexual initiation rituals and child marriage.

Formal structures exist, like Victim Support Units, Community Victim Support Units, and One Stop Centres. But between 2015 and 2017, only 40% of women who experienced violence sought support. Survivors need an easy-to-use, quick, timely and discreet way to access immediate help, free of complexity or stigma, before being connected to existing support services.

The Idea

This pilot proposes developing a mobile application featuring an AI-powered chatbot to provide immediate support to victims of GBV. Key features include:

  • 24/7 chatbot support: A user-friendly chatbot trained on a Large Language Model (LLM), offers emotional support, advice, and guidance tailored to the local context.

  • Simplified reporting: Victims can report incidents directly through the app and get connected to local responders and specialist support units.

  • Offline features: For users without internet access, the app will include an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) option to ensure broad reach.

  • Anonymous data collection: Insights gathered through the platform will inform evidence-based policy interventions to better address GBV.

This solution aims to make the reporting process quicker, safer, and more efficient while providing immediate assistance to survivors. Addressing barriers to accessing support has the potential to improve outcomes for victims and reduce GBV across Malawi.

Read the full report from the discovery phase here:

 

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Frontier Tech Hub

The Frontier Tech Hub works with UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) staff and global partners to understand the potential for innovative tech in the development context, and then test and scale their ideas.

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