Quantum Resolve Technologies has developed an innovative platform Silent Shield that seeks to make gender-based violence (GBV) reporting easily accessible, anonymous and secure for survivors.
The platform is being developed as a multi-channel, privacy-first platform that will allow GBV survivors to report abuse safely through WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS and USSD code. There will also be a web-based platform which is under development.
In an interview, Praise Simba Phiri, who co-founded Quantum Resolve Technologies with his twin brother Patience Zamar Phiri, said the system will support both English and Chichewa; hence, making it accessible to users across different literacy levels and regions.
“Silent Shield exists to give every Malawian a voice, especially those who fear the stigma and risks of reporting GBV. Privacy is a top priority. All reports will be made completely anonymously, with no data stored on users’ devices,” said Simba Phiri.
He said the innovation is being built by a team of young multidisciplinary students from Mzuzu University, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar), Malawi University of Science and Technology and University of Malawi.
Tiyamike Kumbanga, a gender and development studies student from Luanar is leading the project.
