Local anti-GBV app scoops top prize for AI innovation
The pupose of the GRIT app is to enable access to justice for those experiencing violence through innovative technology, data-informed reporting, and capacity-building.
- Gender-based violence (GBV)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children
Cellphone
Sara-Jayne Makwala King is joined by Ronel Koekemoer, of Gender Rights in Tech (GRIT).
Listen below
Gender-based violence remains one of the most pressing issues in South Africa today.
The recent annual 16 Days of Activism against GBV campaign is an opportunity to renew commitments, call for accountability and action from decision-makers in ending violence against women and children.
One local organisation is adding it own contribution to the fight against GBV, using innovative tech solutions that can help survivors.
Gender Rights in Tech, or GRIT (formerly Kwanele-Bringing Women Justice), is a leading feminist NGO in the anti-GBV space, that has created innovative tech solutions to improve access to support and justice for survivors.
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"We use tech-based interventions to help survivors accesss emergency response, the justice system and care services."
Ronel Koekemoer, Operations Manager Gender Rights in Tech (GRIT)
Two years ago, GRIT launched its ground-breaking tech application which includes a panic button, a database of services and even live streaming.
"There's a vault feature where you can add audio visual evidence...so if you have photographs of injuries or voice notes of confessions, or screenshots or audio of arguments then you can upload it onto the app and it gets stored on the cloud for ten years."
Ronel Koekemoer, Operations Manager Gender Rights in Tech (GRIT)
Crucially, Koekemoer emphasises that the app is data-free, requiring only Wi-Fi for download to a cellphone
The app recently scooped the AIConics Award at the 2024 Africa Tech Festival.
"We beat out Meta and Vodacom! And it's really exciting as well because there's a narrative that AI is not for good and it's not for Africa and one of the things we're working on right now is the GenAI chat bot Zuzi."
Ronel Koekemoer, Operations Manager - Gender Rights in Tech (GRIT)
Zizu, is an artificial-intelligence-powered chatbot designed to provide support and advice to GBV survivors.
Zizu represents the latest phase of GRIT’s technological innovation.
"She's supposed to be your South African auntie who talks to you about GBV and answers your questions."
Ronel Koekemoer, Operations Manager - Gender Rights in Tech (GRIT)
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