Aid groups in South Sudan use technology for survivors

In South Sudan, sexual assault is a huge problem for many women. One 28-year-old woman, who was gang-raped, struggled to find help. After visiting various clinics that were either closed or unhelpful, she ended up pregnant and felt unheard. Aid groups are trying to use technology to help survivors like her. An Israel-based organization called IsraAID recently tested a chatbot on WhatsApp. This bot allows survivors to share their experiences anonymously, prompting social workers to provide help quickly. However, South Sudan faces challenges like low internet access and high illiteracy rates. Tech experts caution that it’s important to protect survivors’ data to maintain their privacy. IsraAID says that they encrypt information and delete it from staff phones after use. In the first three months of using the chatbot, 135 cases were reported. Many survivors struggle to reach available services. The fear of rape prevents women from leaving displacement camps for basic needs. Some aid services have been cut due to a freeze on funding, leaving many without support. Survivors express a desire to communicate quickly, often preferring phone help over in-person visits. But low mobile access in South Sudan means many cannot use these technologies effectively. Engagement with the community is crucial to encourage survivors to seek help. As one man noted, it took multiple visits from aid workers before he felt comfortable sharing his own story of assault. Addressing these issues requires a thoughtful approach that meets the unique needs of survivors in South Sudan.