Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most widespread yet underreported social challenges affecting women and girls in Cameroon. National data indicate that approximately 45% of women experie
The SafeHer Digital Protection Project is a 12-month initiative designed to provide women and girls in Cameroon with a discreet, accessible, and technology-based protection system to respond to gender-based violence (GBV). The project addresses the critical gap between existing GBV support services and the ability of survivors to access these services safely, anonymously, and without fear of retaliation.
At the core of the project is the development and deployment of two integrated digital tools: a renamable Telegram chatbot and an educational web-based platform. The Telegram chatbot will function as an invisible SOS and guidance tool, allowing users to discreetly seek help, receive step-by-step information on available options, document incidents of violence, and obtain referrals to verified legal, health, and psychosocial support services. Its renamable and low-profile design ensures that women can use the tool without raising suspicion or exposing themselves to further harm. The accompanying web platform will provide educational content on types of GBV, legal rights under Cameroonian law, reporting procedures, and digital safety tips tailored to the local socio-cultural context.
The project will be implemented in several phases. The first phase focuses on technical development and content creation by a multidisciplinary team composed of a sociologist, software developers, and a data specialist to ensure safety, relevance, and usability. This will be followed by pilot testing with women’s groups and partner NGOs to assess functionality, security, clarity of information, and referral effectiveness. Feedback from this phase will be used to refine and improve the platform.
In parallel, SafeHer will establish formal partnerships with NGOs, legal professionals, healthcare providers, and psychosocial support services to create a coordinated referral network. These partners will receive orientation on how to respond to cases originating from the platform. A nationwide awareness and sensitization campaign will then be conducted through community radios, universities, women’s associations, and trained community ambassadors to ensure that women and girls are informed about the platform and know how to access it safely.
Throughout the project, continuous monitoring and evaluation will be carried out using platform usage data, referral tracking, user feedback, and partner reports. By the end of the 12 months, the project aims to have onboarded at least 1,000 users, improved users’ knowledge of legal rights, and successfully oriented a minimum of 200 cases to professional support services. Ultimately, SafeHer seeks to reduce isolation, increase access to protection, and strengthen coordinated responses to gender-based violence in Cameroon through discreet and context-appropriate digital innovation. https://safeher.scmchost.com
