The Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) officially launched KemiAI yesterday, a pioneering AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot designed to provide crucial support for survivors of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) across West and Central Africa. The unveiling, which took place at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, was backed by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and brought together a diverse group of policy shapers, global leaders, civil society executives, and activists.
The introduction of KemiAI comes at a critical time. A recent multi-country online survey conducted by BBYDI across six West and Central African nations painted a stark picture: 92% of over 1,100 respondents had experienced some form of TFGBV, including online harassment and non-consensual image sharing. Despite these pervasive incidents, less than half of the survivors disclosed or reported them. BBYDI’s research pointed to significant barriers such as deeply ingrained stigma, fear of blame, and a notable lack of trust in existing reporting or support systems.
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KemiAI: A Survivor-Centred Digital Lifeline
KemiAI is built to directly address these challenges. Described by BBYDI as a “survival-centred, multilingual AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot,” its unique strength lies in its co-creation by survivors of TFGBV themselves. This approach ensures the tool is empathetic, relevant, and truly effective for those navigating online abuse.
Accessible via WhatsApp, KemiAI offers a private and discreet avenue for individuals to seek immediate information and support, bypassing some of the traditional hurdles survivors face. Its goal is to serve as a trusted digital companion in moments of need, offering a vital link to resources and guidance for online safety solutions.
Beyond the Chatbot: A Comprehensive Strategy for Digital Rights
The launch of KemiAI is part of a broader, multi-faceted strategy by Brain Builders Youth Development Initiatives to foster digital rights Africa and combat TFGBV effectively. Several key knowledge products were also unveiled:
- The Methodological Report on the TFGBV Database Development in West and Central Africa: This comprehensive report offers deep insights into the rise of online violence in the region and outlines collective actions for prevention.
- “Staying Safe With Tao – a Guidebook on Becoming a Digital Champion.”
- “Power and Influence in Addressing TFGBV in Nigeria.”
- “HerSafeSpace – Digital Safety Manual.”
- “TFGBV in Nigeria – Mapping Harms, Gaps and Pathways to Justice.”
Additionally, a significant development at the event was the inauguration of the Male Allyship Programme. Recognizing that women are disproportionately affected by online abuse, with over 60% of victims being female, this programme aims to engage men and boys as active champions for safer digital spaces. It seeks to empower them with knowledge and resources to speak up, show up, and actively stand against all forms of gender-based violence.
The inaugural cohort of male allies includes prominent figures like public affairs and political analyst Jaye gaskia; Noel Alumona, special education expert and founder of Boys champion NG; Rotimi Olawale, the Executive Director of Youth Hub Africa; Mac Imoni Amarere, a board member at Action Aid International; Husseini Abdul, Director of Pan-African and New Power Advocacy Office at @Save The Children; development expert Mustapha Sheu; Hamzat Lawal, CEO of Connected development and co-founder of Followthemoney; Nwankpa Amaka, acting Director General of Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation; and @Funsho_Olajide, founder of Disability Not a Barrier Initiative. Their collective experience is expected to significantly bolster the programme’s impact.
KemiAI is now live. Brain Builders Youth Development Initiatives encourages widespread sharing of this AI chatbot for GBV to ensure that more individuals impacted by online violence can access this crucial gender-based violence support tool.
