Reported rapes in Nigeria have tripled during the COVID-19 pandemic to a few thousand, but the U.N. Children’s Fund says one in four girls have been victims of sexual violence – meaning countless thousands of rapes are going unreported. A Nigerian programmer has created an application for rape survivors to report the attacks and seek help while avoiding social stigma. The SmartRR app allows rape victims to report the crime to authorities without going to the police in person. Users can also get counseling and support online. It effectively shields the identity of women who previously wouldn’t report the rape due to fear or stigma. The app is currently operational in the states of Adamawa, Cross Rivers, Lagos and Borno.
SOURCE: VOA
More Stories
Richard Branson’s Oasis in Morocco Gets Top Prize
The UK Keeps South Africa on its Red List for Travel
A Boost to Park Conservation Across Africa
A Road Trip along South Africa’s Wild Coast
One of the Most Challenging and Inventive Figures in Contemporary African Art
Thebe Magugu on the Political Power of Fashion
Liya Wants to Stand Out
Exclusive: Nerea Amoros Elorduy on Creating More Liveable Environments in Refugee Camps
Meet Chris Fallows, the South African Wildlife Photographer Behind ‘Air Jaws’ and More
Explore the Beautiful Crafts and Textiles Emerging Now from Africa
Can Africa’s Green Initiatives Mitigate Effects of Climate Change?
Damning Allegations Levelled against British American Tobacco South Africa