Preventing Gender-Based Violence Through an AI-Driven Support Tool

Challenge completed!

In this project, Omdena collaborators explored several potential avenues to find a solution to gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria. The team dug deeper into the data surrounding GBV in both online and offline spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic. This included examining the drivers of GBV, the forms of GBV that manifest online, the relationship between GBV that occurs online and offline, and more. 

The envisioned tool comprises a chatbot or another AI-driven support and reporting tool. The project partner, Search for Common Ground, is an international non-profit organization operating in 36 countries whose mission is “to transform the way the world deals with conflict away from adversarial approaches toward cooperative solutions”.

 

The problem

Since the beginning of COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, gender-based violence (GBV) has been increasing in online and offline spaces in Nigeria. More women are experiencing intimate partner and domestic violence because they are spending more time in their homes and are now facing online harassment and bullying.  Obtaining access to life-saving services for GBV is more difficult because of the pandemic, leaving many survivors without the necessary support. The physical and psychosocial consequences of GBV are severe and prevent women from fully participating in society and activities that promote peace. GBV exacerbates gendered dividing lines and perpetuates conflict. 

 

The project outcomes

In this project, Omdena collaborators explored several potential avenues to find a solution to GBV. The team dug deeper into the data surrounding GBV in both online and offline spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic. This included examining the drivers of GBV, the forms of GBV that manifest online, the relationship between GBV that occurs online and offline, and more. 

The deliverables can be broken down into:

• Developing a digital tool to track and measure online bullying and harassment that make women feel unsafe. This tool could ideally connect survivors with support services. An example of what this might look like is Visible Platform’s chatbot reporting sexual harassment on public transportation. 
• Storing the data to provide insights on response to GBV in future crises. It should also be used to inform digital actors and governments on the issue of GBV and policies to keep women safe in all environments. 
• The generated insights from the tool could also be used to teach digital literacy and digital marketing skills to potential victims and prevent online harassment in the short term.