SoftServe Mexico introduces its first OpenTech project to combat violence against women

The mobile application “No Estás Sola” (“You are not alone”) is the first OpenTech project in Mexico. Currently under development by Centro-i, the project has the professional support of SoftServe Mexico specialists, who participate as volunteers in its vision, development, and technological architecture.

"As a volunteer initiative, OpenTech brings together professionals who are committed to contributing their time and skills to solve specific pressing social problems, based on strategic alliances we establish with local and international organizations," explains Erandi Lopez, Senior Corporate Social Responsibility Lead at SoftServe Mexico. “Gender-based violence is a complex issue that requires the active participation of multiple sectors, and technology has the potential to be one of the most powerful allies in this mission. At SoftServe, we believe that the solutions we create must have an ethical and inclusive perspective, with a direct and transformative impact on society. Hence the value of collaborating with Centro-i, an organization with which we share this vision."

The app that will soon be launched to help women facing gender violence features an AI-powered chatbot that identifies types of violence, assesses risks, offers practical precautions, and provides educational resources tailored to the user's situation. It integrates Centro-i data for accurate, timely responses and includes a directory of professional assistance by location and specialty, covering psychological, legal, social, and shelter services. Additional features include a panic button for emergency SMS alerts and secure access to digital services, even on shared devices. To protect women's digital privacy and empower them, the app features a camouflage function to discreetly hide its true purpose, addressing the widespread issue of invasive device checks in Mexico.

"By providing a safe space with essential tools such as emergency contacts, legal support, and accompaniment in this process, we aim to address the vulnerability of women in the digital world,” says Elena Estavillo, founder and director of Centro-i. “This project was formally launched at the beginning of 2024 and was born as part of our commitment to the creation of technological solutions, particularly in the field of digital inclusion and artificial intelligence of public interest, that contribute to society from an ethical and inclusive perspective."

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, it is crucial to address the alarming rise in gender-based violence in Mexico. Femicides have increased by over 100% since 2015, according to the Mexican Chamber of Deputies, with recent years reaching record highs in crimes against women. In May 2022 alone, there were over 7,200 cases of intentional injuries to women and 199 reports of sexual violence against minors. Additionally, July 2023 saw 382 cases of culpable homicides, and there were 34.7 million calls for assistance related to violence against women. These figures highlight the urgency of leveraging technology to develop innovative solutions to combat this growing crisis. The “No Estás Sola” application is expected to be a local game-changer in using artificial intelligence to combat gender-based violence against women.