Technology-Based Gender Based Violence (GBV) Prevention and Mitigation

Women and girls are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence, and their lived experiences provide unique insights into the challenges faced by survivors. Involving women in the development and implementation of technology-based interventions ensures that these solutions address the specific needs and realities of those affected. 

This project builds on the findings of Murphy & Bourassa (2021) of George Washington University in partnership with ELRHA that reveals significant gaps in GBV approaches including the following:

RISK MITIGATION GAPS

• Women and girls insufficiently engaged when identifying risks, developing mitigation plans, and monitoring implementation 
• Lack of community ownership of risk mitigation activities 

RESPONSE GAPS

• Lack of sustained support for those providing essential  GBV case management services
• in remote locations limited programming/interventions

PREVENTION GAPS

• Lack of understanding and capacity to ensure prevention programming is built on evidence-based behaviour-change theory, and addresses social norms change at institutional and systemic levels  
• weak capacity and limited interventions

Through our own work, we see these gaps and the need for improved initiatives and training support targeting the most vulnerable and marginalized women who are often without access to programs or resources.  These groups include adolescent girls, and those experiencing sexual violence and early marriage who are often victimized by close relatives within the household. The conditions are especially dire for girls in rural communities within Uganda, as they are traded for bride price and seen as valuable commodities. 

In response to the deepening challenges associated with GBV in Uganda, BIWA is seeking SUNY students to identify and develop technology-based innovations that engage and support the most vulnerable and marginalized communities of women. 

We invite SUNY students to engage in the following project opportunities. Please indicate interest and specialized skills or background within inquiry email/letter. 

• Security alarm innovation for use by women and girls who facing violence or threat of violence
• Voice messaging system for victims of GBV 
• Online support platforms for guidance and support
• Social media campaign 
• Digital mapping tools

We are also seeking students to collaborate on the development of orientation materials and resources to help students and other audiences establish context for these Project Challenges and the complexities of GBV within rural Uganda.

We are excited to work with you and hope to hear from you soon.

Annah Atuhaire

Bright Ideas for Women (BIWA)

Bright Ideas for Women in need Association (BIWA) is a women’s led organization bringing together women activists, women’s groups, women HRDs, marginalized women, adolescent girls, street girls and teenage mothers in rural areas of Uganda.  Founded in 2017, BIWA is working to promote and protect the rights of women, addressing gender inequalities, promoting peace and justice, climate justice and building an inclusive society where marginalized women and girls are empowered to foster sustainable development.

UNSDG, ELN, SUNY, Project Challenge, IITG