In Uganda, gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pressing issue, with at least 30% of women experiencing domestic violence in their lifetime. This figure excludes other forms of gendered violence within communities, such as sexual abuse, economic oppression, and social coercion. Many survivors remain trapped due to economic dependency, threats, family pressure, and a lack of accessible support systems.
The 2023 Uganda Police Annual Crime Report documented 10,792 cases of domestic violence (DV), with 113 women tragically losing their lives due to aggravated domestic violence. Additionally, disturbing trends such as maiming, sexual abuse, and denial of property rights persist. According to the 2022 National Survey on Violence in Uganda by the Uganda National Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)—a significant precursor to femicide—was reported at 45%, with the Acholi region recording a staggering 78%. These statistics reflect deep-rooted social norms, community apathy, and low prosecution rates, which perpetuate these crimes under the broader umbrella of GBV.
A Landmark Achievement in the Fight Against GBV
Last week, the African Union (AU) made a historic step forward in addressing gender-based violence. During the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the AU adopted the #AUEVAWGConvention, a groundbreaking legal instrument aimed at preventing and eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls across the continent. This milestone reaffirms that it is time for decisive action to dismantle the societal norms and practices that perpetuate GBV.
Women in Tech Hackathon: Innovating for Change
In celebration of this achievement, Flourish Hub, in partnership with Africa’s Talking, hosted a Women in Tech Hackathon. The goal was to empower young women to leverage technology in combating GBV by building online platforms or solutions that provide anonymity to survivors while offering essential services. These services included counseling, educational materials, survivor support networks, emergency alerts, and avenues for reporting abuse.
It was inspiring to witness young, brilliant women harness their skills to create digital solutions that could positively impact the lives of survivors. The competition featured seven teams, each developing unique platforms using Africa’s Talking APIs. Within a short timeframe, participants demonstrated remarkable innovation and problem-solving skills.
The Competition and Standout Innovations
The seven participating teams were: Elites Team, Tech Divas, Queens Team, Fem Tech Force, Lift Her Up, Tech Divas, and Centres4Her. Each team brought a distinct approach to the challenge, making the competition highly competitive.
- Third Place: Queens Team
The Queens Team developed a system that sends emergency alerts to support administrators, even when they are offline. Their platform also includes a community forum where women can share experiences, support one another, and access counseling services. Their innovation stood out for enabling survivors to reach support personnel even without internet access. They were awarded $25. - Second Place: Elites Team
The Elites Team created the Flourish Hub Space, a platform empowering women facing GBV by allowing them to submit reports of violations, request help, and access an automated chatbot for instant support and guidance. The uniqueness of their solution lay in its reporting functionality, which enables users to send detailed forms to relevant support entities such as law enforcement agencies. They received $50 for their outstanding effort. - First Place: Tech Divas
The Tech Divas emerged as the winners with their platform, Safe Haven. This innovative platform fosters a supportive community for women and features a one-tap emergency button that instantly alerts designated emergency contacts. Their solution ensures swift action and immediate support when needed the most. The team expressed immense pride in utilizing their skills to contribute meaningfully to the fight against GBV. Remarkably, most of the members had never participated in a hackathon before, making their victory even more inspiring. Their success has motivated them to engage in further tech-driven initiatives. They walked away with the grand prize of $100.
A Brighter Future for Women in Tech
Flourish Hub is proud to have provided this platform for young women in tech, enabling them to unlock their full potential while making a tangible impact on society. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Africa’s Talking for their unwavering support in equipping women with the technical skills needed not only to survive but thrive in the tech industry.
The success of this hackathon reinforces the power of technology in driving social change. As we continue to celebrate achievements like the #AUEVAWGConvention, we must ensure that digital solutions remain a cornerstone in the fight against gender-based violence. The resilience and ingenuity displayed by these young women are a beacon of hope, proving that with the right tools and opportunities, they can shape a safer and more equitable future for all.
Together, we can break the cycle of violence and build a world where women and girls live free from fear.
