Phnom Penh, Cambodia – November 25, 2024 – In a groundbreaking initiative to combat gender-based violence (GBV) across Cambodia, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) funded by the Wesley Zaidan Japan, officially launched the "GBV Safe App – អេបសុវត្ថិភាពយើង" today. This launch coincides with the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

The GBV “Safe App” is an important advancement in Cambodia's efforts to provide those that experience violence easy access to information, support and care. This digital innovation in the form of a mobile app provides easy access to:

• Essential information: Raises awareness about GBV and sexual harassment, educating users on their rights and available support services.

• Connection to support: Links users to a network of essential services, including hotlines, legal aid, and psychosocial counseling.

• Safety features: Equips users with tools to enhance their safety and security such as direct calling to emergency hotlines/helplines. A future feature will include live location sharing.

The Safe App is available on both Android and iOS devices to ensure accessibility for a wide range of users. It is free to download on Android devices via the Google Play Store and will soon be available on the Apple App Store for iOS devices. The Safe App includes features that make it easy to use including registration requires minimal information for user privacy, provides easy access to essential information and services, direct calling to emergency hotlines/helplines and voice conversation options with link to relevant video content on YouTube.

"The GBV Safe App is a testament to our commitment to leverage technology to combat gender-based violence," said H.E. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women’s Affairs. "This app provides women and girls with information and resources to seek help when they need it most. It is a crucial step towards creating a safer and more equitable society for all."

Ms. Sandra Bernklau, UNFPA Representative, emphasized the importance of partnerships in addressing GBV. "The development of the GBV Safe App was not possible without partnerships.  By joining forces, MoWA, UNFPA, the Wesley Zaidan of Japan, in partnership with relevant interministerial and civil society organizations including Child Helpline Cambodia, TPO, DFAT-ACCESS II, Cambodia Women Crisis Center, Care International Cambodia, and other partners have created a tool that can make a real difference in the lives of women and girls in Cambodia."

Ms. Hikari Kokai Chang, Wesley Zaidan Representative, highlighted the organization's dedication to supporting initiatives that promote the safety and well-being of women and girls. "We are proud to partner with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and UNFPA on this vital project. The GBV Safe App is an innovative solution that harnesses the power of technology to address a critical issue."

The GBV Safe App is a crucial component of Cambodia's comprehensive strategy to prevent and respond to GBV. It aligns with the country's commitments to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women (NAPVAW). MoWA, UNFPA, and the Wesley Zaidan Japan encourage all stakeholders, including government ministries, civil society organizations, the private sector, and the media, to promote the GBV Safe App and support its widespread adoption.

About the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA):

The Ministry of Women's Affairs is a Cambodian government ministry dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women. Established in 1993, MoWA works to ensure women's full participation in all aspects of society by advocating for their rights, providing support services, and collaborating with various stakeholders to mainstream gender perspectives into national policies and programmes.

About UNFPA:

UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, every woman and girl is free from violence, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA has been present in Cambodia since 1993 and supported the Royal Government of Cambodia to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the International Conference on Population and Development, whose goal is to achieve universal access to services and information on sexual reproductive health and rights, reduce maternal mortality, and end all forms of GBV.

About the Wesley Zaidan Japan:

The Wesley Zaidan Japan is a public benefit organization established in 2010, remembering the legacy of missionaries who have worked for education and welfare development in Japan and the Asia-Pacific Region. The organization conducts overseas and domestic seminars, Grants and global partnership projects based on Its mission of "to nurture leaders who work for social justice in Japan and around the world" with the motto of "Faith, Hope, Love in Action."

For more information:

Ms. Suzana Sorinchan, Advocacy and Partnership Specialist, Email: sorinchan@unfpa.org