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Zero GBV

The association for the promotion of women for ICT "Musodev" is a non-profit association whose vision is the development and empowerment of women through ICT.
Musodev aims to

  • Establish technological solutions allowing prevention as well as raising awareness of common problems of which women and young people are victims.
  •  Give development opportunities to women and girls through ICT.
  • To design, develop and promote the participation of women in ICT-related professions,
  • Promote vocational training and support for women and girls through ICT.


However, since 2012, Mali has been going through a security crisis that has eroded women's chances of empowerment. This is why we decided to invest in activities relating to issues of peace, living together, well-being and combating gender-based violence. This promotes the creation of an environment conducive to activities aimed at providing women and girls with a tomorrow.

In addition to traditional capacity building and communication activities, new information and communication technologies are our main working tool.

We believe that the efficient and effective use of these tools can greatly contribute to the advent of peace, of living together in Mali and the reduction of violence based on gender. According to the 2012/2013 DHS (Demographic Health Survey) report from the age of 15, almost four in ten women (38%) have suffered physical and other forms of violence.

This is why we have developed (prototype) the Zero VBG application.

"Zero VBG" a web platform and a mobile information and awareness-raising application on gender-based violence.

State your goals

Indeed through this application we want to:

  • Facilitate the recognition of this violence

Because many women are victims without knowing it.

  • Provide a space for discussion between victims

Because the victims are afraid to speak, to open up. This space will allow victims to discuss anonymously with each other but also with psychologists.

  • Serve as a framework for denouncing violence

Because currently victims do not know which structures / services to contact in their localities in the event of GBV.

What problems (particularly in value chain competitiveness and global disruption) are your community’s stakeholders facing due to the Covid-19 pandemic?

According to the results of the qualitative analysis, the experts from the participating structures unanimously declared that there is a link between GBV and COVID-19 (100% of respondents). In connection with the socio-cultural context of Mali and a knowledge of prevalences in normal situations, key informants believe that the initial rate of prevalence of GBV could increase by 49% more.

The following points constitute risks of worsening cases of COVID19.

  • The closure of schools was mentioned as being able to have a close link with GBV, the girls are redirected to small businesses, which could expose them to rape and assault.
  • The closure of bars and nightclubs and the curfew limiting access to hotels (places conducive to prostitution), force men not to be able to go out at night, risking directing them towards girls in their immediate environment (risk incest, sexual violence).
  • The difficult financial conditions of families due to Covid 19, could encourage sexual exploitation.

What minimum viable solution(s) are you proposing to address the challenge(s) in your community?

We already have the prototype that exists on Playstore (bit.ly/zerovbg and zerovbg.org). In order to take into account aspects related to COVID19 and to reach rural women, we are developing a new version with the following elements:
Voice features in the most spoken languages ​​of Mali;
Illustration of the different types of violence;
Possibility to contact local support services;

The SDGs concerned are N ° 5 gender equality, N ° 10 reduce inequalities.

Share your story (your narrative)

Did you know? Since 2012, Mali has been going through a security crisis that has eroded women's chances of empowerment. This is why we decided to invest in activities relating to issues of peace, living together, well-being and combating gender-based violence. This promotes the creation of an environment conducive to activities aimed at providing women and girls with a tomorrow.

In addition to traditional capacity building and communication activities, new information and communication technologies are our main working tool.

We believe that the efficient and effective use of these tools can greatly contribute to the advent of peace, of living together in Mali and the reduction of violence based on gender. According to the 2012/2013 DHS (Demographic Health Survey) report from the age of 15, almost four in ten women (38%) have suffered physical and other forms of violence.

This is why we have developed (prototype) the Zero VBG application.

"Zero VBG" a web platform and a mobile information and awareness-raising application on gender-based violence.

Indeed through this application we want to:

  • Facilitate the recognition of this violence

Because many women are victims without knowing it.

  • Provide a space for discussion between victims

Because the victims are afraid to speak, to open up. This space will allow victims to discuss anonymously with each other but also with psychologists.

  • Serve as a framework for denouncing violence

Because currently victims do not know which structures / services to contact in their localities in the event of GBV.

There are organizations working to solve this problem. But it is clear that the rate of GBV is increasing day by day, especially with COVID19 with the reduction in awareness-raising activities and monitoring of harmful practices made by NGOs and other structures, could be a favorable environment for the authors of these practice.
Our solution is the most suitable, because it allows to reach more people without moving.
Besides, for a comprehensive understanding, you may also want to specify how the proposed solutions will bridge the gap between existing problems and opportunities in that specific area.

  • Considerable reduction in the rate of GBV in Mali;
  • Establishment of a reporting framework for victims;
  • Easy and rapid management of cases of GBV in Mali;

Please provide any additional relevant information that you would like to share.

Musodev is the structure that carries the project. Since we are evolving in ICT, through Zero VBG, we wish to make our contribution to the fight against gender-based violence in Mali and Africa.

The application's mission is to inform and educate all individuals about GBV. But it also allows victims to report cases. Victims will access the platform through a mobile application. Indeed it would be interesting to include a call to action for non-victims, we will think about it.

 

Your Final Proposal for challenge

yes

Tagged users
edited on Aug 30, 2020 by Porcho MArguerite SOGOBA
Public (28)
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Nivashini Rave Rattey Jul 23, 2020

Thanks for sharing the overview of your idea! It's a great initiative!

Here are some suggestions to help you refine your submission:

1) Your goals are unclear. Clearly describe what each of them are and then briefly state the "why".

2) Problems: Could you clearly elaborate the problems that you have stated? Explain, how the problems affect the lives of your (rural women? aged between? with what conditions, background or mindsets? provide clear demographics =) ) target audience. Include a brief insight on such problems from the past, present (with the COVID-19) and future (if unresolved). Also, explain what will happen to the overall community culture, if this problem persists.

3) Solutions: Please elaborate how exactly will the prototype help your target audience. What unique features of this service would add value to addressing the problems of your target audience, and which SDGs do they address?
Also, aren't there any measures taken by the relevant stakeholders (in your community) to address these issues? If yes, state why these measures aren't helping to solve the problem but yours will. Separately, for overall understanding, you may also want to specify how your proposed solutions will address the gap between the existing problems and opportunities in this specific area.

4) I like the way you began your story! It caught my attention =D Nonetheless, your story can be further enhanced if you consider including these (i) how the problem has affected you; (ii) what steps you took to address the problems; (iii) what worked and didn't work; (iv) how you finally reached the milestone etc. You can refer to our storytelling factsheet for more details and/or watch the videos on storytelling by visiting : https://cocreate.itu.int/hubbub/communitypage/82360

Finally, remember to back all your claims with credible facts and data.

Hello Thanks for attention, according your suggestions we made some changement below :
1) The objectives

Facilitate the recognition of this violence
Because many women are victims without knowing it.
Provide a space for discussion between victims
Because the victims are afraid to speak, to open up. This space will allow victims to discuss anonymously with each other but also with psychologists.
Serve as a framework for denouncing violence
Because currently victims do not know which structures / services to contact in their localities in the event of GBV.

2-1) Problems: Could you clearly explain the problems you mentioned?

According to the Scoping Study on Preserving and Eradicating Gender-Based Violence in West Africa. In Mali, between January and August 2019, GBV incidents increased by 57% compared to the same period in 2018. For the year 2019, 2,143 cases of GBV were reported by the information management system linked to Gender-Based Violence, of which 98% are women and girls.

These numbers are due to the issues below:

Gender inequality: considering one sex superior to the other. Grant more power of law and responsibility to men than to women.
Abuse of Power: Using your social, economic, spiritual, intellectual or physical power to compel someone to act according to their will.
Non-respect for human rights: Violating the most basic fundamental rights of human beings

Explain how the issues affect the lives of your (rural women? Between? Under what conditions, background or mindset? Provide a clear demographics =)) target audience.
Gender-based violence has a negative impact on the ability of men and women to organize, individually and collectively, in order to have better access to basic social services, to decision-making, to participate in social and political life, development and peace, information, education, economic resources.

ON THE INDIVIDUAL LEVEL
Growth retardation in children under five
Injuries / Fistulas / STDs including HIV / AIDS / Gynecological problems (miscarriages) / Chronic pain;
Unintended pregnancy / Wild abortion;
Alcoholism / drug addiction;
Infidelity / Risky sexual behavior;
Divorce;
Stigma / Desire for revenge
Post traumatic stress / Depression / Mental disorders

ON THE SOCIAL PLAN
The decline in educational attainment
Reduced knowledge of women about HIV / AIDS and reproductive health
Reducing women's income
Increase in early pregnancy / early birth / complications during pregnancy or childbirth,
Increase in maternal mortality and morbidity rate,
Decreased capacity of women to act, to benefit from health care, to own land,

ON THE ECONOMIC PLAN
According to a recent World Bank study on the cost of girls' lack of education (Wodon et al., 2018). The impact of educational attainment on developmental outcomes.) It appears that women with a high school education can expect to earn almost twice as much as those with no education, and women with some formal education. higher, almost three times more.
The same study suggests that women with secondary or higher education report better living conditions than those with primary or less education.
Another study on the estimation of economic costs shows that If child marriage and teenage pregnancies had been eliminated in 2015, the immediate annual benefit could have been equivalent in Mali to 67 million USD (in PPP), which would lead to to a figure of 1.6 billion USD by 2030 and allow the government to save up to 305 million USD in Mali


2-2) Include a brief overview of these issues of the past, present (with COVID-19) and future (if they are not resolved). Also explain what will happen to the overall community culture if this problem persists.
According to a UNFPA MALI study dating from May 2020, GBV has a close link with COVID19.

According to the results of the qualitative analysis, the experts from the participating structures unanimously declared that there is a link between GBV and COVID-19 (100% of respondents). In connection with the socio-cultural context of Mali and a knowledge of prevalences in normal situations, key informants believe that the initial rate of prevalence of GBV could increase by 49% more.

The following points constitute risks of worsening cases of COVID19.

The closure of schools was mentioned as being able to have a close link with GBV, the girls are redirected to small businesses, which could expose them to rape and assault.

The closure of bars and nightclubs and the curfew limiting access to hotels (places conducive to prostitution), force men not to be able to go out at night, risking directing them towards girls in their immediate environment (risk incest, sexual violence).

The difficult financial conditions of families due to Covid 19, could encourage sexual exploitation.


3-1) Solutions: Please explain how exactly the prototype will help your target audience. What unique features of this service would add value to solving problems for your target audience, and what SDGs do they address?
We already have the prototype that exists on Playstore (bit.ly/zerovbg and zerovbg.org). In order to take into account aspects related to COVID19 and to reach rural women, we are developing a new version with the following elements:
Voice features in the most spoken languages ​​of Mali;
Illustration of the different types of violence;
Possibility to contact local support services;

The SDGs concerned are N ° 5 gender equality, N ° 10 reduce inequalities.

3-2) Additionally, are there not actions taken by relevant stakeholders (in your community) to address these issues? If so, explain why these steps do not help solve the problem, but yours will.

There are organizations working to solve this problem. But it is clear that the rate of GBV is increasing day by day, especially with COVID19 with the reduction in awareness-raising activities and monitoring of harmful practices made by NGOs and other structures, could be a favorable environment for the authors of these practice.
Our solution is the most suitable, because it allows to reach more people without moving.
Besides, for a comprehensive understanding, you may also want to specify how the proposed solutions will bridge the gap between existing problems and opportunities in that specific area.

Considerable reduction in the rate of GBV in Mali;
Establishment of a reporting framework for victims;
Easy and rapid management of cases of GBV in Mali;

Users tagged:

Joshua GBEMISOLA Jul 23, 2020

Hi, well done. You forgot to include the link to the prototype of your solution in the PlayStore, I think its inclusion will be helpful. And, I guess GBV and VBG both mean Gender Based Violence or are they different?

Yes you are right. Thanks for the reminder. Indeed, GBV and VBG mean the same thing.

Jean Claude Niyomugabo Jul 23, 2020

Hello
Thank you for your idea ,it is inspiring
I would like to recommend you to make a clear goals and this will be more important when your ideas comes to implementations.Thaanks

Thank you very much for your suggestion. We will do it.

bit.ly/zerovbg and zerovbg.org

Sunday Bawa Jul 23, 2020

Hi, sounds more like a woman led for women ICT digital hub aimed at harnessing their skills set with new trends and unleashing problem solvers into the society. There could be various modes of Delivery in term of service of which could include on site delivery at a token fee. However I do feel ideation needs more clarity, pin point what is it exactly you want to do for women? Does this include the girl child also ?

Hello, thanks for the interest.
We have provided new answers under the 1st comment.

For the moment, the platform does not directly concern the little girl.

Users tagged:

Tafadzwa Chikwereti Jul 23, 2020

Hello seems kike a great inniative. I have a couple.of questions and suggestions.

1) Do women pay to access it ?

If not how are you planning to be sustainable ? If yes how will low income societies women be able to access it?

2) how xan women get anonymously since GBV perpetrators are ussually their spouses who are in the same house and in most cases perpetrators become more violent if tgey know victim is seeking help.

Suggestion try to make it also into a hotline for anonymous tips even from neighbours

Also make it acccesible for even low income women.

Look foward to your response

Hello, thank you for your comments and suggestions.

1) Do women pay for access?
No in our current model, women do not pay to access it. We would like the project to be supported by partners.

When it comes to sustainability, we're thinking about it. But we already cover the costs related to hosting on the different platforms.
2) how are women anonymous?

Anonymity is ensured in the application and at the level of the case management structures.

I hope I answered your questions.

Users tagged:

Tafadzwa Chikwereti Jul 24, 2020

Thats great, before i go i have a last question about anonymity how do they prevent abuser knowing they have such an app ? Whivh in most cases causes conflict

Tafadzwa Chikwereti Jul 24, 2020

Your support and comment on my idea is most welcome thank you in advance

Ingrid Constantin Jul 24, 2020

Hi Porcho! Congrats for your initiative!
A few suggestions came into my mind, if you want to take them in consideration:

-I would be clearer with your goals. I am not sure how Musodev aims align with the application’s goals.

-Provide more specific details how will the victims of violence access this platform. Would individuals be using this platform to also become more aware of this problem? If so, have you thought about providing some call to action for them?

-I am wondering how would you provide developmental opportunities to women and girls through ICT, design develop promote participation in ICT professions and provide vocational training?

-It would be helpful to explain how this is a problem for a certain demographic (provide rural/urban area, age etc.)

-I did not quite get how covid affected this issue? How was the situation before and after corona? Also, how is the closure of nightclubs bars and curfew relate to an increase in the violence?

-Have you thought about providing some information of similar apps explain how yours is unique?

Congrats for getting so far and best of luck!

Best,
Ingrid

Hello Ingrid, thank you for the time given to our project

1-Musodev's goals align with the goals of the app.
Musodev is the structure that carries the project. Since we are evolving in ICT, through Zero VBG, we wish to make our contribution to the fight against gender-based violence in Mali and Africa.

2-Provide more specific details on how victims of violence will access this platform.

The application's mission is to inform and educate all individuals about GBV. But it also allows victims to report cases. Victims will access the platform through a mobile application. Indeed it would be interesting to include a call to action for non-victims, we will think about it.

3-I wonder how would you provide development opportunities for women and girls through ICT, design development, promotion of participation in ICT professions and vocational training?

These objectives are indirectly linked to the project, to the extent that when women and young people are physically or psychologically attacked, it would be difficult for them to concentrate on training, seize opportunities etc. And this will have the consequence of dragging them or keeping them in poverty.

4-I didn't quite understand how covid affected this problem? How was the situation before and after corona? Also, how are the closures of nightclub bars and curfews linked to an increase in violence?

The closure of bars and nightclubs and the curfew limiting access to hotels (places conducive to prostitution), force men not to be able to go out at night, risking them.
refer to girls in their immediate environment (risk of incest, sexual violence).

5-Have you thought about providing information on similar applications to explain how yours is unique?

No we hadn't thought of that, please draw our attention to this point.

cordially
Porcho

Users tagged:

EUNICE KAJALA Jul 24, 2020

Hi Porcho,
It is a good idea, have a look at your goals 1 and 2. Make a correction on the word "common problems of women", be specific on the problems of women you will be addressing e.g Sexual and Gender Based Violence issues. With goal 2, make corrections on the development opportunities, specify, the development opportunities would you like to provide via your ICT e,g educational, economic: entrepreneurship, etc.

Hello Eunice, thanks for the suggestions, we will take them into account.

cordially

Porcho

Users tagged:

Agnes Brenda Tugume Jul 24, 2020

This looks more interesting.
Your goals are not that clear?
And it's like a mobile App/ Web App for creating awareness of the violence. My question could be how can a rural women have an access to the information since most can't afford smart phones plus data.

You could also provide Digital skills to the women earn money to improve their standard of living.

What have other stakeholders done sofar which is different from what your doing?

On the Mobile App is there a panic button where incase a person needs urgent help?
Hope this helps you to improve your Idea.
Good luck

Ronnex Wataya Jul 24, 2020

Hi porcho congrats for coming up with a wonderful initiative. after reading your idea i do understand it is an informative application. we are living in a world with various informative tools especially social media. please clarify why would someone choose to download your app instead of just opening a facebook page which might containt similar content? how are you planning to promote your app that it gains a wider audience compared to your competitors who use already available social platforms to raise GBV campaigns. lastly i would like to you what steps are you taking to monetize the app. all the best

Simon Mbewe Jul 24, 2020

You might consider collaborating with NGOs and government authorities for support to help you carry out massive campaigns in designated communities. This will definitely bring change in homes and society as a whole. Further you can also provide social financial schemes to vulnerable women to help them venture into businesses to keep themselves financially stable. I am of a view that GBV perpetrators take advantage of women who are vulnerable and implementing social business schemes can help empower the women in society.

Leidy Fajardo Sua Jul 24, 2020


It is a good idea!! and very necessary in many countries that have a very large number of domestic violence, especially in this time of confinement.

Fahmida Hossain Jul 24, 2020

Hello Porcho, Thanks for sharing with us your incredible idea. I see you have been working for a long time for the betterment of women in our society which has impressed me a lot. I would like to know what kind of challenges did you face while doing this job and how do you deal with the problems?

Israel Abazie Jul 25, 2020

Hello Porcho. Nice to see a reflection of your passion in this. However, you lost me as a reader and reviewer when you used two different terms that appear similar - Zero GBV and Zero VBG. Again, it sounds like two different initiatives: Empowering women to venture into Oct-related professions as you put it and helping to tackle domestic violence meted out on girls and women? If this is the case, you will need to cut down your categories. Too many categories will mean too much stress for you and less focus. Specify your target market and segment them. Goodluck!

James Kiruri Jul 25, 2020

Hello Porcho, great idea. Do you have a tech hub in Mali where you can progress this idea. In addition, it is not clear how you monetise and make it viable. Well done and keep it up

RACHEL MIAMI Jul 26, 2020

hi porcho?You have a nice idea ,i will like to know your business sustainability

RACHEL MIAMI Jul 26, 2020

hi porcho?You have a nice idea ,i will like to know your business sustainability

Marabe Ditshego Jul 26, 2020

Hi Porcho,
I trust you are well.

Let me congratulate you on your app and its contribution to society.

I wish to share a few questions and remarks for your consideration.
1. Since you have a prototype already in operation; it would be great for you to share the impact of the app (analytics) in terms of addressing the problems you have enlisted.
2. Consider expanding each of the problems enlisted in the problem section by showing statistics or correlations that give us an idea of the extent of COVID-19’s impact on GBV.

Nabuyuni Sankan Jul 27, 2020

Hello Porcho

Great initiative and action that you are taking to ensure recognition on what is happening in Mali.

Quick question how are you assisting women living in rural areas who have no access to mobile phones ?Have you considered the use of Ussd Technology to allow them get to the nearest camp or police station to report on the issues happening to them after they have read about it.
Could you consider having small training sessions aimed at rural or interior areas through the app that will allow them to learn how to defend themselves and the measures they can take to assist themselves when incidents occur.It would be nice if expanded all your goals and objectives as I believe it has great potential to do good things in Mali
Thank you for raising the issue and I wish you all the Best.

Kind Regards.

Nivashini Rave Rattey Jul 28, 2020

Status label added: Community feedback received

Nivashini Rave Rattey Jul 28, 2020

The idea has been progressed to the next milestone.

Victoria Masso Aug 7, 2020

Status label added: Mentor feedback received

Sunday Bawa Aug 12, 2020

Hi,
Well done. Just wondering if app also has a compliant mechanism directly to the authorities in charge embedded within? Incase a violation has taken place.

Muyunda Kaonga Aug 14, 2020

Hi , This is a very brilliant idea. I am glad to note that your platform addresses opportunities for survivors the to engage in peer-to-peer interactions as well as consultations with trained psychologists, lawyers, and other stakeholders invested in educating, supporting, and counselling victims of gender-based violence. Consider also including a list of all the government agencies, nonprofits, and professionals working in gender-based violence in your country so that victims can get help as soon as possible. All the best

Okey Esse Aug 16, 2020

Nice concept but there are lots of areas in project implementation that is not clear. How do you monetize your project to become sustainable? How do you ensure enforcement of Justice to poor families who cannot afford legal fees? How do ensure that victims are not shamed in their communities for speaking out? Those who are victims and not tech savvy with smart phone, who do they report the incident? What happens to protecting the victims identity to avoid reprisal attacks?

Calister Simba Aug 18, 2020

This initiative is good and I like your application. I believe Gender-violence exists, please clarify on the following

1. How do you help girl children under 15 who are experiencing gender violence in their families?

2. Whom do you collaborate with to assists women in a psychological manner?

3. How can you assists women who are living in rural areas that don't have access to digital tools such as smartphones?

1. This is an interesting point, we will take it step by step. For now, we can only reach them through our awareness messages.

2. Currently we are in discussions with organizations such as UNFPA and UN WOMEN. They will be able to support us with human resources and in terms of documentation.

3. We plan to conduct an awareness campaign among these women to show them how to use the application. Further, we intend to integrate USSD messages and also give them the possibility of listening to the messages by calling a number.

Muyunda Kaonga Aug 28, 2020

Hello Porcho. This is a brilliant submission awesome idea. Violence against women and girls remains a huge global problem that impacts the day-to-day lives of millions of girls and women each year. There are several justifications and drivers for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and harmful cultural practices, but frequently, these are based on gender norms (social norms) and unequal power. This violence continues to happen in communities that justify the practice in a very noble manner, many times believing it is for the good of the girls, their families or a safeguard to their traditions. This often makes it a difficult practice to challenge. We definitely need to ZERO GBV. All the best in your project

Nivashini Rave Rattey Aug 30, 2020

You need to re-look at all the feedback that you have received so far. I still feel like you haven't reflected some of them on your refined idea.

Plus, state the mechanisms and processes behind your MVP. Refer to my previous feedback. Your answer to the question on MVP is pretty weak.

Nonetheless, you can now start working on your final documents.

Nivashini Rave Rattey Aug 30, 2020

Status label added: Expert feedback received