Innovation in Central America: the AI based tool that tackles gender violence

By Bufete Mejía & Asociados

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched Sara in Central America and the Caribbean. It is a chatbot that helps victims of violence against women by providing them with information, answering questions about violence against women and connecting victims with support services.

During the year 2022, an estimated 1,019 women were victims of homicide in Central America, which represents a decrease of 6.1% compared to the previous year, according to official data. Despite this reduction, the homicide rate for women has decreased at a slower rate (-44.4%) than that for men (-51.4%) over the past seven years.

Based on artificial intelligence and machine learning training from specialists, Sara is tailored to each country’s specific context, form, and language, available 24 hours a day to chat and provide a safe, anonymous, and confidential first contact to people.

This allows victims to assess their situation and make use of institutional or civil society support services available in their country. In addition, Sara offers legal advice and helps to create an emergency plan, as well as emergency numbers and contacts for victims.