A Non-Governmental Organisation, Big Family360, on Thursday, unveiled a mobile app called SmartRR to enable citizens to report Gender-Based Violence (GBV) during the upcoming Edo governorship election.
The app was introduced during the “I Stand for Peace Campaign” dialogue held for journalists and Civil Society Organisations in Benin.
The event was part of activities outlined by the Rally for Peaceful Election group, a multi-stakeholder forum advocating for peace before, during, and after elections.
Mr Samuel Dirug, Executive Director of Big Family360, said that the app provided a platform for victims of GBV during the Edo election to quickly report and connect with service providers.
Dirug stated that the initiative was aimed at reducing violence against women and other vulnerable groups during elections.
“We are here in Benin to launch the SmartRR mobile application, which allows women and vulnerable individuals to anonymously report violence from both smart and basic phones.
“However, it is specifically deployed to assist women, people with disabilities, and the elderly in reporting GBV and other forms of violence during the Edo election,”
He added that the app was available on the Google Play store and the Apple App Store, with an offline version accessible via the USSD code 3473090#.
“We will help victims connect with service providers located near their polling units and communities.
Through this solution, we believe that violence against women and vulnerable populations during elections will be significantly reduced, ensuring equal rights to vote and be voted for,” he said.
Dr Bright Oniovokukor, Convener of the Rally for Peaceful Election group, noted that the app’s deployment for the September 21 Edo election was timely.
Oniovokukor said the group supports the app, as it would help curb violence during the election by providing an avenue for prompt reporting and response.
“We are part of any initiative that gives people the assurance that the election will be peaceful.
“Many are hesitant to participate due to fears of violence, but knowing they can report incidents at their polling will encourage higher voter turnout,” Oniovokukor stated
He added that the Rally for Peaceful Election group was formed to ensure voters feel safe and motivated to cast their votes during elections.