Hackathon explores answers to gender-based violence

Hackathon participants had fun testing their skills at the event hosted by the US Embassy at the weekend.

The US Embassy in South Africa hosted a hackathon last week to explore what can be done to make communities safer and produce technology that could save lives.

The “Tackling Gender-Based Violence Through Tech Hackathon” was held from Friday November 22 to Sunday November 24 at the Ernst & Young building at the V&A Waterfront ahead of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign.

It was attended by experts on gender-based violence, students, entrepreneurs and IT professionals.

US consulate Mignon Cardentey said, “A hackathon is like a sprint as opposed to a marathon — it draws together individuals and experts to come up with solutions in less than 24 hours that can help make our communities safer.”

Will Stevens, Deputy Consul General at the US Consulate in Cape Town said the scourge of gender-based violence is something that affects communities in South Africa and theUS.

“We must stand together to stop it.

“By bringing together South African and American civic activists, coders, and creatives, we believe that this hackathon will offer real solutions to help tackle the problem in both our societies.”