To assist victims of violence, especially women and children, an NGO has developed a mobile application with a range of tools to combat this issue.

Zonza/Loba, a mobile application launched on Tuesday, November 25, 2024, by the Congolese NGO Azur Développement, aims to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Available in French, Lingala, and Kituba, the app is designed to raise awareness about the various forms, manifestations, and consequences of gender-based violence.

“This initiative directly addresses the numerous requests for support we receive from women and girls who have survived violence. These requests often come through our one-stop assistance centers run by Azur Développement, primarily via email. We also consistently receive requests to organize awareness campaigns to prevent violence against women and children,” explained Sylvie Niombo, Director of Azur Développement.

The app, available exclusively on Android, offers several sections that provide information on gender-based violence, available resources, and guidance on how to respond in such cases. It helps users understand the necessary steps to take in response to violence and directs them to appropriate support services, such as one-stop assistance centers for women and children. In dangerous situations, Zonza/Loba includes an alert feature that allows users to quickly notify the police or their loved ones.

“The app also allows users to call the police or send predefined alert messages to close contacts. Additionally, it can be used to reach the one-stop assistance centers to request support for victims of violence or to report cases of violence against women and children,” added Sylvie Niombo.

Adoni Conrad Quenum