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A personal tragedy became the inspiration behind a significant advancement in South Africa’s battle against gender-based violence. Following the murder of her pregnant 19-year-old relative in 2020, which received little attention from mainstream media, development practitioner Leonora Tima. Aiming to create a technology platform that would provide abuse survivors a voice, support, and a means to pursue justice, she developed Grit.
Grit is the first AI safety tools built in Africa for survivors of gender-based violence. Developed with community feedback from Cape Town’s townships, the mobile application includes a quick-response panic button, a safe digital vault for evidence, and an innovative AI chatbot called Zuzi.
The tool currently boasts 13,000 users and has managed almost 10,000 support requests in just September 2025.
Leonora states, “In South African society, her brutal death was viewed as commonplace.” “We created Grit to ensure survivors are acknowledged and supported, rather than overlooked.”
Focusing on Gathering Evidence, Security and Dignity
Grit’s features were designed based on genuine requirements:
- The panic help button instantly captures audio and notifies a private emergency response team.
- Encrypted evidence vault securely stores photos, recordings, and threats away from the device.
- Zuzi chatbot offers guidance, emotional support, and links to local services.
- Grit was collaboratively developed with women from local communities, many of whom were apprehensive about contacting police or conventional services.
Image source: Forbes.com
Zuzi was influenced by women’s desire for a comforting, approachable guide — “similar to an aunt” — rather than a formal or institutional style. The chatbot has also been utilised by men looking for assistance in controlling aggressive behaviour, indicating a broader psychological need for secure, anonymous help.
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While some experts have lauded Grit’s innovation, others have cautioned that AI needs to be cautiously implemented in trauma situations. They emphasise that AI is not capable of replicating the unique human connection.
“Those who have survived require understanding and interpersonal bonds.” “AI can provide direction, but it cannot replace trained counsellors,” states gender-violence specialist Lisa Vetten.
Financial Support and Acknowledgment
Supported by Mozilla, the Gates Foundation, and the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, Grit has now achieved global recognition.
Also, Leonora recently showcased Grit at the Feminist Foreign Policy Conference in Paris, where 31 nations committed to prioritising the eradication of gender-based violence.
The Need for African women to Develop AI
Leonora stated that inclusive technology starts with inclusive creators.
“AI has been developed with a focus on data centred around men, particularly white men.” We require greater representation of women, particularly women of colour, and more creators from the Global South.
Her goal is to use technology to reach those it intends to protect. Grit offers a framework for African women to develop AI tools that are grounded in community circumstances, respect, and fairness.
If platforms such as Grit expand, they may transform survivor support and justice for perpetrators. This could help ensure that domestic and gender-based violence is addressed and tackled, rather than hidden.
