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    • ​GBV Safe App: new tool leads the fight against gender-based violence
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    ​GBV Safe App: new tool leads the fight against gender-based violence

    Umito Posted on

    As part of a groundbreaking initiative to combat gender-based violence (GBV) across Cambodia, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with funding from the Wesley Zaidan Foundation, has partnered with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Cambodia Child Helpline (CHC) to launch the “GBV Safe App – (Our Safety App)”.

    The mobile app, designed to provide essential resources and support services to women and girls experiencing harassment, abuse or violence, will officially launch on November 25, marking the start of the 16 Days of Protection campaign. activism against gender-based violence.

    According to UNFPA Cambodia, the app provides “vital resources and direct access to information, support and services on harassment, abuse and violence for women and girls most at risk.”

    With features such as a secure and confidential platform, legal support links and educational resources on GBV, the app aims to connect high-risk populations, such as students, factory workers and urban communities, with vital services.

    The app is now available for Android users on the Google Play Store, with iOS access expected soon on the Apple App Store.

    This collaborative effort aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on health, well-being and gender equality, especially as GBV remains one of the most serious human rights violations urgent in the world.

    In Cambodia, UNFPA focused on advancing sexual and reproductive health and family planning to meet the critical needs of women and girls.

    In 2024, the contraceptive prevalence rate among women aged 15 to 49 was 43 percent for all methods and 33 percent for modern methods, with higher rates of use observed among married women. .

    However, despite progress, 7 percent of family planning needs remain unmet, highlighting the need for better access to contraceptive resources.

    The GBV Safe app was presented to the media on October 25. UNFPA Cambodia

    Cambodia’s maternal health infrastructure is promising, with 99 percent of births attended by skilled health personnel, although the maternal mortality rate remains high, at 218 deaths per 100,000 live births.

    UNFPA’s work in Cambodia also involves ensuring access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information and education, supported by national laws and regulations with a 98% access guarantee in 2022.

    By providing resources for family planning and maternal health, UNFPA seeks to improve the well-being and empowerment of Cambodian women and girls, thereby contributing to gender equality and sustainable development in the region.

    A solidarity initiative for women’s safety

    Development of the GBV app began in early 2022, through a partnership between UNFPA and Wesley Zaidan.

    “The safety of women and girls, free from harassment and violence, remains our top priority,” said Golden Mulilo, UNFPA Representative in Cambodia.

    “We believe that this innovative digital technology platform will protect vulnerable women and girls from all forms of violence in Cambodia,” he added.

    Hikari Kokai, country director of Wesley Zaidan, based in Japan, highlighted the importance of the project: “Empowering women means enabling them to use their gifts with confidence, joy and without fear. »

    “This project promotes the empowerment of women and girls in Cambodia and contributes to the elimination of gender-based violence in Asia and around the world,” she added.

    GBV disproportionately affects women and girls and is deeply rooted in gender inequality, significantly compromising women’s health, autonomy and participation in society.

    An estimated 30% of Cambodian women have experienced some form of domestic violence in their lifetime, with the pandemic exacerbating this prevalence.

    The new app provides a vital bridge between these women and the services they need, an area where service gaps still exist.

    Ensuring the safety of women and girls, protecting them from harassment and violence, remains a top priority. UNFPA Cambodia

    Currently, only 24 percent of survivors can access formal support, highlighting the urgent need for a more accessible support platform.

    Through its features, the app teaches users how to recognize GBV, offers quick links to legal assistance, and provides a confidential space for those seeking immediate help.

    “It serves as an educational and emergency tool, connecting users with GBV information and essential support services,” explained UNFPA Cambodia.

    Increasing impact through awareness

    The Ministry of Women and Child Helpline Cambodia, in partnership with UNFPA, launched an awareness campaign aimed at engaging students, factory workers and other high-risk groups, reaching more than two million people through social networks.

    By actively encouraging downloads of the app – and aiming for 1,500 active users within four months – the campaign aims to foster greater understanding of GBV issues and expand access to essential support resources.

    This user feedback will allow the app’s developers to refine its functionality, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of at-risk women across Cambodia.

    “Together, we are making it easier for women to access the information, support and services they need through the GBV Safe app,” said a representative from UNFPA Cambodia.

    As the United Nations agency focused on sexual and reproductive health, UNFPA is committed to creating a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, and every young person can reach their potential without facing the threat of violence.

    Umito
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