Homa Bay has launched an app to help address the triple threat of new HIV infections, gender-based violence, and teenage pregnancies.
Dignity App was launched by Women Empowerment & Technology in partnership with the Homa Bay government.
It provides users with a platform to report human rights violations and seek help confidentially.
The app requires an internet connection to access.
The platform will enable people to share their problems with confidence and without losing dignity.
CWE-TECH co-founder Eunice Owino, Homa Bay gender & youth Affairs chief officer Dolphin Ochere, and Power for the People (PFP Dreams Global) project manager Caren Okombo and more than 20 organisations were at the launch.
Owino said the app will not only provide answers but solutions to problems as well.
“Dignity App is a tool for information meant to address the triple threat. The system operates on a 24-hour basis to help people any- time,” she said.
Earlier, CWE-TECH conducted an assessment through focus group discussions on knowledge, attitude, and perceptions.
Adolescents will also confidenti- ality get their questions on sexual reproductive health answered.
GBV survivors can call a hotline number and lodge a complaint before being referred to the relevant agency.
Homa Bay is among counties with a high prevalence of teenage pregnancies, HIV, and gender-based violence.
“We’re focused on bringing dignity to our people. They should use the app to get help,” Owino said.
Okombo said many women and girls are suffering in silence.
The organisation works with communities to enable food security, education, water electricity, and increased household income.
Fighting against triple threat also includes making clean and safe water accessible.
“PFP Dreams Global is producing cost-effective re-usable sanitary pads. We’re intensifying sensitisation programmes to empower teenage girls and young women to speak up,” Okombo said.
Homa Bay government has an SGBV policy it uses to enhance the fight against the triple threat.
The county government has established a gender desk where GBV cases are reported.
“We have officers offering probono services to GBV victims. Collective responsibility is needed to ensure violence against human rights is eradicated,” Ochere said.
