New App Launched to Empower Women and Fight Gender-Based Violence

ambodia Launches “GBV Safe App” to Combat Violence Against Women and Girls

On November 25, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, in collaboration with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and with support from Wesley Zaidan Japan, officially launched the “GBV Safe App.” This innovative tool aims to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) across Cambodia and coincides with the start of the global “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign.

In a joint statement, the ministry, UNFPA, and Wesley Zaidan described the app as a significant milestone in providing accessible support to those experiencing violence. The GBV Safe App delivers crucial information, raises awareness about GBV and sexual harassment, and educates users about their rights and available support services.

Key features of the app include connections to hotlines, legal aid, and psychosocial counseling, along with direct emergency calling. Future updates are set to introduce live location-sharing capabilities for enhanced safety.

Minister of Women’s Affairs Ing Kantha Phavi highlighted the app’s importance, stating, “The GBV Safe App is a testament to our commitment to leveraging technology to combat gender-based violence. It provides women and girls with the resources they need to seek help and build a safer society for all.”

The app, available for free on Android devices via Google Play Store and soon on Apple’s App Store, prioritizes user privacy with minimal registration requirements.

Sandra Bernklau, UNFPA representative, emphasized the role of collaboration, saying, “The development of the GBV Safe App was made possible through partnerships. Together, we have created a tool that can truly impact the lives of women and girls in Cambodia.”

Wesley Zaidan’s Hikari Kokai Chang echoed these sentiments, expressing pride in supporting a project that leverages technology for social impact.

Aligned with Cambodia’s commitments to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women (NAPVAW), the ministry and its partners called on all sectors, including government bodies, civil society, private organizations, and the media, to promote the app and encourage widespread use.