Phnom Penh: In a groundbreaking initiative to combat gender-based violence (GBV) across Cambodia, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) funded by the Wesley Zaidan Japan, officially launched the “GBV Safe App – ????????????????” on Nov. 25.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, this launch coincides with the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, underlined a press release received this afternoon. The GBV ‘Safe App’ is an important advancement in Cambodia’s efforts to provide those that experience violence easy access to information, support, and care. This digital innovation in the form of a mobile app provides easy access to essential information, raises awareness about GBV and sexual harassment, and educates users on their rights and available support services.
The app connects users to a network of essential services, including hotlines, legal aid, and psychosocial counseling. It is equipped with safety features su
ch as direct calling to emergency hotlines/helplines, with future updates to include live location sharing. The Safe App is available on both Android and iOS devices to ensure accessibility for a wide range of users. It is free to download on Android devices via the Google Play Store and will soon be available on the Apple App Store for iOS devices. The app’s features make it easy to use, including minimal information required for user privacy, easy access to essential information and services, direct calling to emergency hotlines/helplines, and voice conversation options with links to relevant video content on YouTube.
“The GBV Safe App is a testament to our commitment to leverage technology to combat gender-based violence,” said H.E. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women’s Affairs. “This app provides women and girls with information and resources to seek help when they need it most. It is a crucial step towards creating a safer and more equitable society for all.”
Ms. Sandra Bernklau, UNFPA Representati
ve, emphasised the importance of partnerships in addressing GBV. “The development of the GBV Safe App was not possible without partnerships. By joining forces, MoWA, UNFPA, the Wesley Zaidan of Japan, in partnership with relevant interministerial and civil society organisations including Child Helpline Cambodia, TPO, DFAT-ACCESS II, Cambodia Women Crisis Centre, Care International Cambodia, and other partners have created a tool that can make a real difference in the lives of women and girls in Cambodia.”
Ms. Hikari Kokai Chang, Wesley Zaidan Representative, highlighted the organisation’s dedication to supporting initiatives that promote the safety and well-being of women and girls. “We are proud to partner with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and UNFPA on this vital project. The GBV Safe App is an innovative solution that harnesses the power of technology to address a critical issue.”
The GBV Safe App is a crucial component of Cambodia’s comprehensive strategy to prevent and respond to GBV. It aligns with
the country’s commitments to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women (NAPVAW). MoWA, UNFPA, and the Wesley Zaidan Japan encourage all stakeholders, including government ministries, civil society organisations, the private sector, and the media, to promote the GBV Safe App and support its widespread adoption.