Microsoft, together with two non-profit organisations (NGOs), is seeking technology-based solutions to help victims of gender-based violence.
Collaborating with 1000 Women Trust and TEARS Foundation, the company has launched the Safe@Home Hackathon to address gender-based violence in SA.
The parties say access to the right technology can enable a better and safer way for women and children to reach out for help.
Microsoft SA is pledging its support to helping address gender-based violence through the Safe@Home Hackathon.
The virtual hackathon, which will run from 22 September to 19 October, is inviting the local developer community to create and develop technology-based solutions to help victims of gender-based violence and vulnerable women and children.
Lillian Barnard, managing director of Microsoft SA, says: “Our goal is to find real, sustainable solutions to help South Africa’s most vulnerable and at-risk.
“Ensuring that we are able to build these kinds of fit-for-purpose technology-based solutions will require partnerships with developers, NGOs in the gender-based violence space like TEARS Foundation and 1000 Women, government, corporate South Africa and other technology players.
“Together, we will provide the support needed as we call on developers across the country to come together, understand the issues surrounding gender-based violence, and create and develop technology-based solutions that can help save lives.”
“Violence against women and children is escalating under the current circumstances, with many South Africans confined to their homes. This indicates a clear need to take action to address gender-based violence in South Africa,” says Tina Thiart, founder of 1000 Women.
Commenting in the initiative, Mara Glennie, founder and director at TEARS Foundation, says: “I look forward to exploring the possibilities that technology can provide to help keep women and children ‘safe@home’, and working together to tackle the scourge of gender-based violence in South Africa. The time for collective action is now.”
The consortium hosting the hackathon says its intention is to have the winning idea developed into a full application that will be deployed to support women across SA who need help, and make a difference in curbing gender-based violence in South Africa.
The top three teams also stand to win cash prizes. The winners will be announced on 26 October.
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