Speak Up - Young Advocates Mulang Against (YAMA) GBV

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive global issue affecting millions of individuals and communities. This project focuses on addressing GBV specifically in Mulang, Bamenda, Cameroon, where young women and adolescent girls face significant challenges in accessing support and finding their voices against this injustice.

Scale of the Problem:

• Locally: While specific data on GBV prevalence in Mulang is limited, national statistics from Cameroon paint a concerning picture. A 2018 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) by UNICEF revealed that 42% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner. This translates to millions of women and girls across the country, including those in Mulang, potentially facing similar circumstances.
• Globally: According to the World Health Organization, one in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, often at the hands of an intimate partner.

Contributing Factors:

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of GBV in Mulang and similar communities:

• Gender inequality and harmful social norms: Patriarchal societal structures often normalize violence against women and limit their access to education, resources, and decision-making power.
• Limited access to education and awareness: Lack of awareness about GBV, its consequences, and available support systems can prevent young women from recognizing or reporting incidents.
• Fear of stigma and retaliation: The fear of being ostracized, blamed, or experiencing further violence often discourages survivors from speaking up and seeking help.
• Limited access to support services: Insufficient shelters, hotlines, legal aid, and counseling services create significant barriers for survivors seeking assistance and healing.

How our Solution Addresses these Factors:

The Speak Up App directly addresses the following factors contributing to GBV in Mulang:

• Empowering young women: By providing a safe and anonymous platform for reporting, the app encourages young women to speak up and seek help, fostering a sense of agency and challenging harmful societal norms.
• Raising awareness: Educational resources within the app and community outreach efforts aim to increase understanding of GBV, its impact, and available support systems.
• Facilitating access to support: The app's comprehensive resource directory connects users with essential services like shelters, legal aid, and counseling, reducing barriers to seeking help.

Speak Up App: Empowering Young Women to Combat GBV in Mulang

The Speak Up App is a mobile application designed to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in Mulang, Cameroon, by empowering young women and adolescent girls.

What it Does:

The app offers three key functionalities:

1. Anonymous Reporting: Users can anonymously report GBV incidents through a user-friendly interface, providing details and seeking support discreetly, overcoming the fear of stigma and retaliation.
2. Comprehensive Resource Directory: The app features a centralized directory of vital support services available in Mulang and surrounding areas. This includes shelters, hotlines, legal aid, and counseling services, ensuring easy access to assistance and resources needed for healing and recovery.
3. Digital Advocacy Tools: The app empowers users to engage in digital advocacy efforts. Users can share their stories anonymously, participate in awareness campaigns, and amplify their voices within the community, fostering a sense of solidarity and challenging societal norms surrounding GBV.

Technology and Development:

The Speak Up App will be a mobile application, potentially a web app as well depending on device accessibility in the target community. We plan to develop a user-friendly interface that is accessible on low-bandwidth internet connections, considering the local context. We will explore partnerships with relevant technology service providers to ensure app development, maintenance, and security.

Focus on User Experience:

The app's design prioritizes user safety and comfort. Features like anonymous reporting, user-friendly interfaces, and clear instructions are incorporated to encourage safe and effective app usage. Additionally, the app will be available in the local languages spoken in Mulang to ensure inclusivity and cater to the diverse needs of the community.

Beyond the App:

While the app serves as the central platform, our solution extends beyond the digital realm. We will implement a comprehensive community engagement strategy to raise awareness about GBV, promote app adoption, and build trust within Mulang. This includes open dialogue sessions, awareness campaigns, door-to-door sensitization, and potentially establishing a community radio station (subject to feasibility and community approval).

Overall, the Speak Up App, coupled with robust community engagement, aims to empower young women in Mulang to speak up against GBV, access critical support services, and advocate for a safer and more equitable future.

Target Population: Young Women and Adolescent Girls in Mulang, Cameroon

Who They Are:

The Speak Up App directly serves adolescent girls and young women (aged 15-25) residing in Mulang, Bamenda, Cameroon. This demographic faces substantial challenges due to the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) and limited access to resources and support mechanisms.

Current Underservice:

• Limited access to safe reporting avenues: Fear of stigma, retaliation, and lack of awareness about reporting options often prevent young women from reporting GBV incidents.
• Difficulties accessing support services: Scarcity of shelters, hotlines, legal aid, and counseling services creates significant barriers to seeking help and recovering from GBV experiences.
• Limited opportunities for advocacy and social change: Young women often lack the platforms and resources to effectively advocate against GBV and challenge harmful societal norms.

How the Speak Up App Addresses Their Needs:

• Empowers reporting: The app provides a safe and anonymous space for reporting GBV incidents, encouraging young women to speak up and seek help without fear of judgment or repercussions.
• Facilitates access to support: The comprehensive resource directory connects users directly with essential services, eliminating the burden of searching for help and expediting access to critical support.
• Offers digital advocacy tools: The app empowers young women to participate in awareness campaigns and share their stories anonymously, fostering a sense of solidarity, raising awareness, and advocating for change within the community.

Impact on Lives:

The Speak Up App has the potential to significantly improve the lives of young women in Mulang by:

• Enhancing their safety and well-being: By encouraging reporting and facilitating access to support services, the app can contribute to reducing the physical and emotional harm associated with GBV.
• Empowering them to seek help: The app fosters a sense of agency and encourages young women to take control of their lives by providing them with the tools and resources to seek help and access support.
• Amplifying their voices: The digital advocacy features enable young women to participate in social change efforts, challenging harmful societal norms and advocating for a future free from GBV.

Additionally, the app can indirectly benefit the broader Mulang community by:

• Raising awareness about GBV: Increased community dialogue and awareness campaigns can lead to a more informed and supportive environment for survivors.
• Encouraging positive social change: By empowering young women to advocate for change, the app can contribute to shifting harmful societal norms and fostering a culture of gender equality and respect.

Overall, the Speak Up App seeks to empower young women in Mulang to become active agents of change in their lives and communities, ultimately leading to a safer and more equitable future for all.

Community-Centric Approach:

• Local Partnerships: We plan to partner with local NGOs, organizations, and community leaders who possess deep understanding of the context, cultural nuances, and specific needs of Mulang. These partners will actively participate in the app development process, providing valuable insights and ensuring the app's cultural and linguistic relevance.
• Community Engagement Strategy: We will implement a comprehensive community engagement strategy throughout the project lifecycle. This will include open dialogue sessions, awareness campaigns, door-to-door sensitization, and potentially establishing a community radio station (subject to feasibility and community approval). These initiatives aim to gather community feedback, build trust, and ensure the app aligns with the needs and priorities of the target population.
• User-Centered Design: The app will be designed through a user-centered approach, incorporating feedback from young women in Mulang through focus groups and user testing. This ensures the app is user-friendly, addresses their specific needs, and fosters a sense of ownership within the community.

Addressing Representation:

While the development team might not physically reside in Mulang, we acknowledge the importance of representation and diverse perspectives. We will strive to assemble a team with expertise in relevant fields, including:

• Technology development
• Gender-based violence prevention and response
• Community engagement and cultural sensitivity

Furthermore, we will actively seek local collaborators, volunteers, and advisors from Mulang throughout all phases of the project. This ensures that the solution is grounded in the lived experiences and perspectives of the community it aims to serve.

Ultimately, the success of the Speak Up App relies heavily on building trust, fostering genuine collaboration, and ensuring the community's voices and needs guide every step of the process. This approach not only strengthens the solution's relevance and effectiveness but also empowers the community to take ownership and lead the fight against GBV in Mulang.

• No Existing Prototype or Pilot: Currently, there is no functional prototype of the app. While the functionalities are outlined, the development process, testing with target users, and deployment haven't begun yet.
• No User Engagement or Testing: No users have been involved in testing or providing feedback on the app's design, features, or usability.
• Focus on Feasibility and Planning: The current focus lies on further exploring the technical feasibility, securing funding and partnerships, and planning the development process.

Therefore, even though the concept holds significant potential, its conceptual nature aligns with Solve's definition of "Concept" and serves as the most accurate representation of its current stage.

We are applying to Solve not solely for financial support, but rather to leverage the program's comprehensive network and resources to overcome critical barriers towards realizing the full potential of the Speak Up App and creating lasting impact in Mulang, Cameroon.

Here are the specific challenges we anticipate and how we believe Solve can help us address them:

1. Building Trust and Cultural Sensitivity:

• Challenge: Ensuring the app is culturally relevant, linguistically diverse, and adheres to local sensitivities requires deep understanding of the community context and collaboration with local stakeholders.
• How Solve Can Help: By connecting us with local NGOs, cultural experts, and community leaders, Solve can facilitate collaboration and ensure the app's design and implementation are informed by local perspectives and respect cultural nuances.

2. Securing Funding and Resources:

• Challenge: Developing, launching, and sustaining the app requires significant financial resources and technical expertise.
• How Solve Can Help: Through potential grant opportunities, network connections with relevant funding sources, and mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, Solve can help us secure the necessary resources to move the project forward.

3. Scaling and Sustainability:

• Challenge: Creating a sustainable model for maintaining the app, training users, and expanding its reach requires long-term planning and collaboration.
• How Solve Can Help: By connecting us with partners with expertise in technology solutions, social impact initiatives, and community engagement, Solve can facilitate the development of a sustainable and scalable model for the app's long-term success.

4. Amplification and Impact Measurement:

• Challenge: Effectively raising awareness about GBV, promoting the app's use, and measuring its impact requires strategic communication and collaboration.
• How Solve Can Help: Solve's network of media partners, communications specialists, and evaluation experts can provide valuable guidance and mentorship in amplifying our message, promoting app adoption, and establishing robust mechanisms to measure the app's impact on the lives of young women in Mulang.

We believe that being selected as a Solver team would provide invaluable access to the resources, expertise, and network that Solve offers. This comprehensive support system would be instrumental in overcoming the aforementioned challenges, allowing us to develop a culturally appropriate, sustainable, and impactful solution to combat GBV in Mulang and empower young women to thrive in their communities.

The Speak Up App strives for innovation on several levels:

1. User-Centered Design:

• The app prioritizes anonymity and user safety, addressing the common fear of stigma and retaliation associated with reporting GBV.
• The focus on local languages and cultural sensitivity ensures inclusivity and accessibility for the target population in Mulang.
• The user-friendly interface and anonymous reporting features empower young women to overcome technological and psychological barriers to seeking help.

2. Comprehensive Approach:

• Combining anonymous reporting, a resource directory, and digital advocacy tools within one platform creates a multi-faceted solution addressing different needs and empowering young women in various ways.
• The focus on community engagement and capacity building aims to create a sustainable and locally-owned movement against GBV, going beyond the app itself.

3. Potential for Broader Impact:

• The Speak Up App's open-source development model allows for adaptation and adoption by other communities facing similar challenges, fostering wider replication and scalability.
• The app's success story and lessons learned can be shared with other organizations and stakeholders working to address GBV, contributing to the evolution of effective and culturally sensitive approaches in this field.
• The success of the app could encourage other stakeholders to invest in and prioritize technology-based solutions for gender-based violence prevention and response.

Overall, the Speak Up App's blend of user-centered design, comprehensive approach, and potential for broader impact differentiates it from potential existing solutions. By prioritizing user safety, inclusivity, and local ownership, it strives to offer a more effective and sustainable way to empower young women and combat GBV in Mulang and beyond. While the app itself directly serves a specific community, its potential for replication, knowledge sharing, and inspiring further innovation holds the potential to create a lasting and positive impact on the wider fight against gender-based violence.

Theory of Change: Empowering Young Women to Combat GBV in Mulang

Problem:

• High prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) against young women in Mulang, Cameroon.
• Limited access to safe reporting avenues, support services, and opportunities for advocacy.
• Fear of stigma and retaliation hindering reporting and seeking help.

Activities:

• Develop the Speak Up App: A mobile application with anonymous reporting, a support resource directory, and digital advocacy tools.
• Implement robust community engagement: Open dialogue sessions, awareness campaigns, door-to-door sensitization, and potentially establishing a community radio station (subject to feasibility and approval).
• Collaborate with local NGOs and service providers: Ensure accurate resource directory information and facilitate connections between users and support services.

Immediate Outputs:

• Increased awareness of GBV and the Speak Up App within the Mulang community.
• Increased number of anonymous GBV reports submitted through the app.
• Improved user satisfaction with the app's ease of use and access to resources.
• Enhanced collaboration and information sharing among local stakeholders working on GBV.

Longer-Term Outcomes:

• Empowered young women: Reporting GBV incidents anonymously, advocating for themselves and others, and accessing critical support services.
• Reduced fear of stigma and retaliation: Increased confidence in speaking up about GBV experiences due to anonymity and community support.
• Improved access to support services: Quicker connection with shelters, legal aid, counseling, and other essential resources needed for healing and recovery.
• Shifted societal norms: Increased community dialogue and awareness challenging harmful norms and fostering a culture of respect and gender equality.
• Sustainable impact: Locally-owned and maintained app with potential for replication and adaptation in other communities facing similar challenges.

Evidence Supporting the Theory of Change:

• Studies demonstrate that anonymous reporting systems can increase disclosure rates of sensitive issues like GBV (e.g., Campbell & Dworkin, 2014).
• Community engagement strategies have been shown to be effective in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting help-seeking behavior (e.g., Jewkes et al., 2016).
• Technology-based interventions can empower individuals and improve access to information and support services (e.g., UN Women, 2018).

Limitations and Monitoring:

• The app's effectiveness relies on strong community engagement and sustained support.
• The long-term impact on societal norms is complex and requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
• We plan to regularly monitor app usage, user feedback, and collaborate with local partners to assess the app's impact and adapt as needed.

By implementing these activities, the Speak Up App seeks to create a positive chain reaction, empowering young women to speak up, access support, and ultimately contribute to a safer and more equitable future for themselves and their communities. The theory of change is informed by relevant research and evidence, acknowledging potential limitations and emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and adaptation for sustainable impact.

Impact Goals and Measurement for the Speak Up App

Impact Goals:

1. Empower 500 young women in Mulang to report GBV incidents anonymously through the Speak Up App within the first year of implementation.
2. Increase awareness of GBV and the Speak Up App among 70% of the female population in Mulang within the first year of implementation.
3. Connect at least 100 young women in Mulang with essential support services (shelters, legal aid, counseling) through the app's resource directory within the first year.
4. Contribute to a 10% reduction in reported GBV incidents in Mulang within two years of the app's implementation.

Measuring Progress:

• Number of anonymous GBV reports submitted through the app: This data will be directly collected and tracked within the app.
• Community awareness surveys: Baseline and follow-up surveys will be conducted among the female population in Mulang to assess changes in awareness levels regarding GBV and the Speak Up App.
• Referral data from the app's resource directory: Collaborating with local service providers will allow us to track the number of users who access and utilize resources listed in the app.
• Official GBV statistics from local authorities: While acknowledging limitations due to potential underreporting, we will monitor official data on reported GBV incidents in Mulang to track potential changes over time.

Additional Considerations:

• User feedback surveys: Gathering qualitative data through user feedback surveys will provide insights into the app's usability, effectiveness, and user experience.
• Focus group discussions: Conducting focus groups with young women in Mulang will allow for deeper understanding of their experiences, perceptions of the app, and suggestions for improvement.
• Monitoring and adaptation: We will continuously monitor progress, analyze data, and adapt our strategies based on learnings and feedback received throughout the implementation process.

It's crucial to acknowledge that attributing a direct causal relationship between the app's implementation and a reduction in GBV incidents might be challenging due to various external factors influencing these statistics. However, by monitoring the outlined indicators and conducting ongoing evaluations, we can gain valuable insights into the app's effectiveness in achieving its intended goals and contributing to a safer and more empowered future for young women in Mulang.

1. Mobile App Development:

• The app will be developed as a native mobile application for Android and potentially iOS devices, depending on accessibility and device prevalence in the target community.
• This ensures offline functionality for users who might have limited or unreliable internet access.
• User-friendly interface and local language support will be prioritized for improved usability and accessibility.

1. Secure Data Management:

• The app will prioritize user privacy and data security.
• Anonymous reporting will be a central feature, allowing users to submit reports without revealing their identities.
• Robust data encryption and secure storage practices will be implemented to safeguard user information.

1. Open-Source Development (Optional):

• Exploring open-source development can foster collaboration and adaptation by other communities facing similar challenges.
• This approach can also contribute to transparency and trust as the codebase becomes publicly accessible for review.

Technology Choice Rationale:

The decision to focus on mobile technology and secure data management aligns with the following considerations:

• Accessibility: Mobile phone penetration rates are high in many developing countries, making it a relatively accessible technology for the target population.
• Offline functionality: Offline capabilities ensure the app remains functional even in areas with limited internet connectivity.
• Data security: Prioritizing data security and user privacy is paramount when dealing with sensitive information like GBV reports.
• Sustainability: By potentially utilizing an open-source development model, the app can be adapted and sustained by other communities beyond Mulang.

Overall, the Speak Up App leverages readily available and accessible technologies while prioritizing data security and user privacy to provide a safe and effective platform for young women in Mulang to report GBV incidents, access support services, and advocate for change.

• Full-time staff: 2
• Part-time staff: 0
• Contractors or other workers: 5 (volunteers)
• communty focal points : 02

While the concept of the Speak Up App has been developed and refined over the past year, the active development and implementation phase is yet to begin.

While the Speak Up App is currently in its initial concept stage, fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DE&I) environment is a core value we aim to integrate from the outset. Here's how we plan to approach DE&I in building our team:

1. Building a Diverse Team Leadership:

• We are actively seeking to recruit a diverse leadership team that reflects the communities we serve. This includes prioritizing representation based on gender, ethnicity, age, and other relevant factors.
• We will leverage diverse hiring practices, including utilizing job boards and professional networks focused on underrepresented groups, and utilizing blind resume review procedures to mitigate potential bias.

2. Minimizing Barriers to Opportunity:

• We will strive to offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, considering the needs and realities of different demographics.
• We will explore flexible work arrangements and remote work options whenever feasible, recognizing that individual needs and circumstances can vary.
• We will actively seek feedback from team members to identify and address any potential barriers to opportunity within the team structure and work environment.

3. Fostering a Welcoming and Inclusive Culture:

• We will establish clear expectations for respectful and inclusive behavior through a comprehensive Code of Conduct and ongoing training.
• We will create a safe space for open communication by encouraging diverse perspectives and fostering active listening within the team.
• We will celebrate cultural differences and backgrounds through team-building activities and inclusive celebrations.
• We will invest in ongoing diversity and inclusion training for all team members, including leadership, to build cultural competency and address unconscious bias.

We understand that building a truly DE&I team is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and dedication. We are committed to learning from best practices, seeking feedback from diverse individuals and communities, and adapting our approach as needed to ensure everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique skills and perspectives.

While we are still at the initial stages of building our team, outlining our commitment to DE&I principles now demonstrates our intention to create a culture that fosters innovation, collaboration, and positive impact for all those involved in the Speak Up App initiative.

As the Speak Up App is currently a non-profit initiative, a traditional business model focused on revenue generation isn't the primary objective. However, describing the value proposition and how the app aims to sustain itself is crucial for long-term impact.

Value Proposition:

• Beneficiaries: Young women in Mulang, Cameroon.
• Products/Services:
  • Anonymous reporting platform for GBV incidents.
  • Support resource directory connecting users with relevant services.
  • Digital advocacy tools for raising awareness and promoting change.
• Value Delivered:
  • Increased safety and empowerment for young women by enabling them to report GBV incidents.
  • Improved access to critical support services like shelters, legal aid, and counseling.
  • Amplified voices and collective action against GBV through digital advocacy tools.

Sustainability Model:

• Grant funding: Seeking grants from foundations, NGOs, and organizations dedicated to gender equality and women's safety.
• Corporate partnerships: Collaborating with socially responsible companies for potential sponsorships, technology support, or in-kind donations.
• Fundraising campaigns: Exploring ethical fundraising campaigns through online platforms or community events, ensuring transparency and responsible use of funds.
• Open-source development: If feasible, releasing the app's codebase under an open-source license to allow adaptation and replication in other communities, potentially leading to local ownership and resource mobilization.

Sustainability through Impact:

• Demonstrating the app's positive impact on the lives of young women in Mulang through data collection, evaluation, and storytelling.
• Building a strong network of stakeholders and partners committed to addressing GBV and supporting the long-term viability of the initiative.
• Advocacy and policy change: Contributing to broader advocacy efforts aimed at addressing the root causes of GBV and securing sustainable funding for initiatives like the Speak Up App.

While the Speak Up App doesn't generate revenue in a traditional sense, it focuses on delivering social value and long-term sustainability through a combination of funding strategies, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to demonstrating its positive impact on the lives of young women in Mulang.

Financial Sustainability Plan for the Speak Up App

As a non-profit initiative, the Speak Up App prioritizes its social impact over profit generation. Our primary objective is to secure sustainable funding to ensure the app's long-term operation and maintenance, allowing it to continue serving young women in Mulang, Cameroon.

Funding Strategies:

• Grant Funding: We will actively seek grants from foundations, NGOs, and organizations dedicated to gender equality, women's safety, and technology for social good. We plan to leverage our team's experience and partnerships to identify relevant grant opportunities and develop compelling proposals that showcase the app's potential impact.
• Corporate Partnerships: We will explore collaborations with socially responsible companies who align with our mission. This might involve potential sponsorships, technology support, or in-kind donations to help cover development costs, server maintenance, or user awareness campaigns.
• Fundraising Campaigns: We are committed to exploring ethical fundraising campaigns through online platforms or community events. These campaigns will be conducted with transparency and responsible use of funds, ensuring donors understand how their contributions directly impact the lives of young women in Mulang.
• Open-Source Development (Optional): We are exploring the possibility of releasing the app's codebase under an open-source license. This could allow adaptation and replication in other communities, potentially leading to local ownership, resource mobilization, and potential contributions to the app's long-term sustainability.

Sustainability through Impact:

• We are dedicated to demonstrating the Speak Up App's positive impact on young women in Mulang through data collection, rigorous evaluation, and compelling storytelling. This will be crucial for attracting future funding and securing partnerships by highlighting the tangible benefits the app brings to the community.
• We aim to build a strong network of stakeholders and partners committed to addressing GBV and supporting the initiative's long-term viability. Collaboration and knowledge sharing with other organizations working in the field can lead to joint fundraising efforts and resource sharing opportunities.
• We believe that by contributing to broader advocacy efforts aimed at addressing the root causes of GBV and securing sustainable funding for initiatives like the Speak Up App, we can create a lasting positive impact for young women not only in Mulang but also in similar communities facing similar challenges.

While the app is still in its initial development stage and hasn't generated any revenue yet, we are actively building the foundation for its financial sustainability. We are confident that our multi-pronged approach, coupled with a strong commitment to transparency and responsible use of funds, will enable us to secure the necessary resources to ensure the Speak Up App's long-term success and empower young women in Mulang for years to come.

Please note that we are not able to disclose specific information about potential or ongoing funding conversations at this stage. However, we are committed to providing regular updates on our progress towards financial sustainability as the project advances.