Asian Development Bank (ADB)CLEAR Global, working with development research institutes such as NANSHE and Action Against Prohibited Conduct, has released a pioneering study titled “Survivor-centric digital solutions to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.” It is written by lawyer and investigator Priyanka Chirimar ADB Sustainable Development Working Paper No. 112 (2025) It examines how digital innovation is redefining gender justice across Asia and the Pacific. The report presents technology as a feminist force, capable of changing power dynamics that have long silenced survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH).
While digitalization has led to online harassment, stalking and exploitation, it has also provided tools for empowerment and protection. In keeping with the recommendations of the 2023 United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, Chirimar advocates feminist technology that focuses on safety, inclusivity and accessibility. Globally, only 65% of women have access to the Internet compared to 70% of men, a gap that widens in developing and island countries. feminist technology, or femtechSeeks to close this divide through trauma-informed design, privacy safeguards, and user-centered interfaces.
Mapping the Digital Landscape
The report illustrates the uneven but rapidly evolving digital ecosystems across Asia and the Pacific. In South Asiaof Nepal news garoun App connects survivors to shelters and police fearless It enables women to report violence or send SOS alerts even without internet access. East Asian Mongolia has pioneered devices such as Strong Girls, Strong Nation Educating youth about consent and safety. Southeast Asia The Philippines’ has seen the rise of apps like VAWFreePH And SaferKidsPHWhich connects survivors to a reliable network through GPS. In pacific islandsWhere connectivity is limited, hybrid mechanisms such as in Solomon Islands safenet And safe place The clinics blend digital tools with on-ground outreach.
These innovations demonstrate how technology can bridge geographic and cultural gaps. Yet barriers remain, with poor infrastructure, low literacy, restrictive regulations and fears over data privacy often hindering adoption. Many initiatives now combine online platforms with personalized support, multilingual design and simplified interfaces to effectively reach marginalized communities.
Designing for survivors, not systems
The core of the report lies in its call for survivor-centred design. Effective tools must balance accessibility, privacy, and security while respecting local culture. Key features include end-to-end encryption, quick exit button, discreet interface, and clear consent processes. However, Chirimar warns of a persistent “growth to death” cycle, with projects that start with enthusiasm but fade away due to continued lack of funding. He argues that long-term viability depends on continued updates, maintenance, and community involvement.
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers both promise and risks. Chatbots can provide 24/7 support, but they must be backed by human expertise to avoid misinterpretation or re-traumatization. The paper urges organizations to use hybrid systems that combine digital automation with empathetic human engagement.
Global Lessons in Digital Security
ADB’s study draws valuable insights from global leaders in the digital GBV response. United Nations’ clear check database The former screens potential hires for sexual misconduct, while marine tracker Centralizes data on allegations to increase accountability. UNICEF’s u-report has become a global youth engagement platform and UNDP iReport Enables citizens to document electoral and gender-based violence. safety pin The app, originally supported by UN-Habitat, uses crowdsourced mapping to identify vulnerable urban locations. Similarly, U.N.H.R. not just mePowered by jadoAllows survivors to anonymously log experiences and track repeat offenders without revealing identities.
Among civil society innovations, circle of 6 Allows users to instantly alert trusted contacts, primero Provides data-secure case management, and Aselo Integrates multiple communication channels to reach survivors across continents. Together, these examples demonstrate that the most sustainable systems combine global reach, local adaptation and survivorship confidence.
Building trust through innovation
Three extraordinary case studies, talk to loop, clear globalAnd jadoEmbrace this trust-centric innovation. talk to loop is a free, multilingual reporting system that allows complete anonymity and real-time feedback between communities and organizations. From 2020 to 2024, it handled thousands of reports in 25 countries under strict GDPR compliance. clear global Bridges language barriers through translation technology, voice tools for low-literacy users, and SEAH-specific glossaries to ensure sensitive communication. During this time, jado Protected by AES-256 encryption, it empowers survivors to confidentially record sexual abuse, identify repeat offenders, and connect with advocates only with consent.
Chirimar ends with clear guidance for governments and digital practitioners: build with survivors, not for them. Invest in multi-year funding, integrate local languages, ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, and maintain strong data security. Above all, technology should complement, not replace, human care.