This archive report was first published on 4 November 2019.
The US Embassy in South Africa has launched a series of hackathons to tackle the issue of gender-based violence, with the first event taking place in Cape Town from November 23rd to 24th, 2019.
Organized by Silicon Cape, the hackathon will bring together emerging software developers, IT professionals, trainers, civil society organizations, students, academics, and professionals to create innovative digital solutions to address the problem of gender-based violence.
According to the World Health Organization, South Africa has the fourth highest female interpersonal violence death rate in the world, with an average of 114 rapes being reported to the police every day.
During the hackathon, attendees will explore ways to make communities safer, investigate how best to respond to threats, and produce tech that could save lives.
The winning team will receive R25,000, while the runner-up will receive R15,000, and there will be R5,000 in spot prizes up for grabs. The winner will also be connected with accelerators, mentors, and other relevant community members to help bring their solution to life.
Amazon Web Services will provide the winning team with access to low-cost, easy-to-use infrastructure needed to scale and grow via the AWS Activate programme, which includes benefits like $10,000 worth of AWS Promotional Credits, valid for two years.
Dr. Sumarie Roodt, Chairperson of Silicon Cape, said: “Through these hackathons, we hope to bring real solutions to the fore that could help real people to either change their reality or perception for the better.”
Will Stevens, Deputy Consul General at the U.S. Consulate in Cape Town, added: “The scourge of gender-based violence is something that affects our communities here in South Africa as well as the United States, and we must stand together to stop it.”
