The Dignity App has been introduced in Homa Bay, enabling residents to report human rights violations, thereby bolstering the fight against triple threat.
The App aims at addressing challenges like gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy and HIV infection by providing confidential support for adolescents on sexual and reproductive health. It also has a hotline number where GBV survivors can call for assistance if need be.
This milestone against the triple threat is as a result of the efforts by the Centre for Women Empowerment and Technology (CWE-TECH) in collaboration with the County Government and partners.
The Co-Founder CWE-TECH Eunice Owino said Dignity App is expected to help reduce the prevalence of these problems and is designed to operate 24/7 allowing residents to report human rights violations and seek help while maintaining their dignity.
“Dignity App is a tool for information meant to address the triple threat issue that bedevils the community. It will help adolescents navigate puberty, understand reproductive health, sexuality, mental health, and other related issues,” she said.
The app requires internet access to operate for mobile users who can ask questions and receive instant answers. “The system operates on a 24-hour basis to help people anytime and provide referrals when necessary,” Owino said.
Owino spoke after the completion of a two-day conference program in Mbita town where stakeholders emphasized the app’s role in allowing people to share their problems confidently.
She said the app was developed after assessing the community’s knowledge, attitude, and perception through focus group discussions conducted by the Centre for Women Empowerment in Technology.
On the other hand, Power for the People (PFP Dreams Global) Project Manager Caren Okombo said as gender defenders, they came up with such initiatives after studies on challenges affecting many women and girls in the county.
“Alot of women and girls are suffering in silence as they lose their dignity after their rights are violated. However, this platform will enable them to air their plight and get assistance,” she said.
Homa Bay Gender and Youth Affairs Chief Officer Dolphin Ochere on the other hand said Homa Bay has established a gender desk for reporting GBV cases where victims can also receive pro bono services.
By Sitna Omar
