Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a crisis in South Africa, with alarming statistics revealing that more than 53,000 sexual offenses were reported in 2023/2024, including over 42,500 rapes. The country has one of the highest rates of violence against women in the world, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and systemic failures. To address this issue, a groundbreaking AI-powered app developed by GRIT (Gender Rights In Tech) is offering a crucial lifeline for survivors, providing security, resources, and emotional support at the touch of a button.
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Technology as a Tool for Justice
The app, designed with the input of GBV survivors, integrates cutting-edge artificial intelligence to assist users in real time. Equipped with a panic button, the app immediately alerts private security officers when a user is in danger. Additionally, it features an evidence vault, allowing survivors to safely store photos, videos, and police reports, ensuring critical documentation is available when seeking justice.
The AI chatbot, Zuzi, is set to revolutionize support systems by offering legal guidance, emotional support, and practical advice on securing protection orders. The chatbot is designed to be accessible and understanding, ensuring that women feel heard and empowered when seeking help.
“This app is going to give me that hope… that my human rights should be considered,” said Peaches, a 35-year-old sex worker and survivor of abuse, who has been part of the app’s development workshops.
Breaking Down Barriers to Help
One of the biggest challenges in the fight against GBV is the lack of accessible support services. Many victims face stigma when reporting abuse or are turned away by law enforcement. GRIT’s app aims to remove these barriers by providing a comprehensive map of nearby clinics, shelters, and legal aid services, ensuring survivors can get the help they need without fear of rejection.
“For many women, finding help is difficult. They don’t know where to go, and when they do, they are often ignored,” said GRIT lead researcher, Zanele Sokatsha. “This app changes that by putting all the resources in one place.”
Real Stories, Real Impact
Thato, another survivor, shared how she endured years of abuse by her stepfather before discovering support organizations. “I didn’t know where to turn until my football coach took us to an anti-GBV event,” she recalled. “That’s where I learned that help was available.”
Stories like Thato’s highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions that bring services directly to those affected. The app’s ability to function without data makes it especially valuable for women in rural areas or those who cannot afford phone plans.
Fighting the Root Causes of GBV
Despite growing awareness and improved support services, GBV rates in South Africa remain high. Experts suggest that the root causes stem from historical oppression, entrenched patriarchy, and economic hardships, leading to cycles of violence that are difficult to break.
“No boy is born an abuser,” said Craig Wilkinson, founder of Father A Nation, an organization focused on engaging men in the fight against GBV. “There’s something going wrong in the journey from boy to man.”
Sandile Masiza, a GBV Response Team coordinator, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for preventative programs that focus on changing male behavior. “We need more initiatives that work with perpetrators, not just victim support,” he said.
A Step Towards Change
With over 12,000 users already on the platform, the app is proving to be a game-changer in bridging the gap between survivors and support services. Backed by donors like the Gates Foundation and Expertise France, it continues to expand, offering more women a sense of security, empowerment, and justice.
UN Women GBV specialist Jennifer Acio believes that technology-driven solutions like GRIT’s app play a crucial role in breaking the cycle of abuse. “Society has normalized violence against women. That’s why we keep sharing information and empowering women to recognize abuse, report it, and seek justice,” she said.
As South Africa continues to grapple with gender-based violence, the GRIT app offers hope in the digital age—a powerful tool ensuring that survivors no longer suffer in silence.
