Written by Menusha Gunasekara

Attending the SVRI Forum 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa, the largest global conference on violence against women, children, and gender-based violence in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), was both inspiring and revitalising.  The Forum featured workshops, panels, and networking opportunities focused on actionable research and innovative solutions.

One of the highlights for me was the workshop, “Charting New Territories: Feminist Research on Digital Solutions.” Here, I gained insights into how feminist frameworks in research emphasise  the need for reflexivity—encouraging researchers to reflect on how their own perspectives shape knowledge production. Using FIRN feminist research guide, we discussed how feminist approaches can addre

ss intersecting oppressions, making knowledge production both transformative and actionable.

During a discussion session, GSMA’s mobile gender gap report presented a stark reality: while 84% of women in LMICs access the internet via mobile devices, ownership of the devices remains significantly lower than men’s due to barriers like affordability, literacy, and security. Our discussions centered on making digital solutions more accessible, including offline options to reach more women and bridge this gap.

A standout panel led by the Girl Effect team highlighted the importance of user-centered design. They stressed that solutions should be grounded in the needs and context of end-users rather than focusing on high-end technology. I learned that tools like chatbots can create safe, non-judgmental spaces for adolescents to learn about sensitive topics like sexual and reproductive health. Additionally, when discussing tech-driven solutions, it’s crucial to avoid overwhelming practitioners with technical jargon. Practical explanations—such as real-world applications of Large Language Models (LLMs) – m

ake these concepts more accessible. Another valuable point raised was the importance of balancing team dynamics, especially between LMICs, to ensure that digital solutions are context-sensitive, culturally inclusive, and truly effective.

Another memorable session was “Mobile Approaches: Parenting,” chaired by Yeva Avakyan. This session showcased mobile parenting programmes,  such as the ParentText chatbot in Jamaica, which supports families in LMICs. These programmes provide adaptable, user-led support but face challenges like digital fatigue and accessibility. I found it particularly interesting that fathers expressed a need for peer support, which led to the creation of WhatsApp groups for shared communication. Additionally, tech-driven solutions like chatbot interventions are more cost-effective than in-person programmes.  Reflecting on these insights, I could relate to the challenges and strategies. Particularly so because I am working on  developing Paravi, a mobile app in Sri Lanka aimed at breaking cycles of violence against children and women.

What struck me most during the Forum was the warm support and sense of community. Sharing my own experiences and challenges in developing a digital solution for preventing violence against women and children felt empowering. Our project, presented as a poster titled “Gamification of Positive Youth Development Tools into a Mobile App (Paravi).” This was recognised as an innovative approach in the prevention space, which reinforced my motivation.

Overall, the SVRI Forum deepened my understanding of developing meaningful, inclusive, and accessible digital safety solutions for young people.  I’m excited to bring these insights back to my project, continuing the journey toward breaking cycles of violence through informed, thoughtful digital innovation.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to SVRI for making this experience possible through their bursary, allowing me to travel from Sri Lanka to Cape Town.