In South Sudan, where war, poverty, and limited resources have made accessing aid a challenge, an Israeli aid organization is leveraging technology to help survivors of sexual assault. This initiative comes at a time when sexual violence is a rampant issue for many women in the country, often leaving survivors with little support.
One woman, who was gang-raped by armed men while collecting firewood, struggled to find help. Several clinics were closed, while others told her to return later, and she lacked the means to access a hospital. Five months later, she found herself pregnant, still without the support she desperately needed.
In response to such challenges, IsraAID, an Israel-based NGO, introduced a WhatsApp-based chatbot aimed at assisting survivors of sexual assault in South Sudan. Launched five months ago, the chatbot prompts aid workers to ask survivors for information, which is entered into a phone. The data is then immediately sent to a social worker, allowing for swift intervention and support.
Rodah Nyaduel, a psychologist with IsraAID, explained that technology helps prevent issues like lost paperwork and missing information, which are common barriers to effective aid in the country. The chatbot’s first three months saw 135 cases reported, with the system providing a more efficient and confidential way to handle sensitive information.
Despite initial concerns about privacy and data safety, IsraAID assures that all data is encrypted and anonymized, with automatic deletion from staff phones once the data is uploaded.
South Sudan’s complex conditions—low mobile access, limited literacy, and fear of stigma—make it difficult for aid organizations to assist survivors effectively. As the country continues to recover from its civil war, many survivors are left in displacement camps, vulnerable to further violence, including sexual assault. Stigma and societal taboos often make it difficult for survivors to speak out.
However, the introduction of technology is a potential game-changer in a country where traditional methods of assistance often fall short. Other organizations have recognized the need for low-tech solutions, such as audio components, to accommodate South Sudan’s low literacy rates.
Despite the challenges, the chatbot initiative is showing promise in improving access to care and ensuring that survivors’ voices are heard, offering them hope for better support amid the ongoing difficulties in the region.
Source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-aid-group-uses-chatbot-to-help-survivors-of-sexual-assault-in-south-sudan/