QUEZON City has taken a significant step in its commitment to protecting women by partnering with the embassy of Switzerland to launch a groundbreaking computer program. The program, Chatbot Sophia, developed by the Swiss nonprofit organization Spring ACT, aims to combat violence against women. Led by international human rights lawyer Rhiana Spring, Sophia offers support in multiple languages, including Filipino, and provides crucial resources and assistance to victim-survivors globally.
Mayor Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte announced on Monday that Quezon City has been chosen as the new hub for Chatbot Sophia. The program interacts with users through messaging platforms or applications and provides automated responses by processing the data provided. This partnership demonstrates Quezon City’s commitment to incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into improving service delivery, particularly in the realm of gender equality.
Belmonte expressed her gratitude to the partner agencies for choosing Quezon City as the platform for Chatbot Sophia, emphasizing the city’s dedication to advocating for gender equality. She stated, “You did not only create groundbreaking technology for us, but most importantly, you gifted us with an important platform that can make a remarkable difference, particularly in safeguarding and protecting lives, especially those of our women and girls.”
One of the key features of Sophia is its user-centric design, ensuring that victim-survivors can seek assistance without fear. The city government highlights Sophia’s anonymity, which allows individuals to access support without revealing their identities.
Spring, in a statement, explained that the development of Sophia involved extensive research and collaboration with experts in domestic violence, psychology, and technology. The team behind Sophia ensured that the program was not only technologically advanced but also emotionally intelligent. The programming allows for user interactions that are understanding, respectful, and sensitive to the complexities of domestic violence.
Spring added, “Sophia is not just about offering assistance; it embodies our broader commitment to empowering survivors, giving them the tools and support they need to break free and embark on a journey of healing and empowerment.”
Belmonte highlighted that Quezon City has launched numerous pioneering programs in its mission to protect women and children. The city has implemented a unified database system to track all reported cases of gender-based violence, streamlining the process of addressing such cases and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of data.
In addition, Quezon City has established the Quezon City Protection Center, a one-stop-shop that provides assistance to women, children, and the LGBTQIA+ communities. The center offers services such as counseling, medical aid, legal support, and protection. The city also provides a temporary shelter called ‘Bahay Kanlungan,’ which serves as a halfway home for victim-survivors.
Belmonte expressed her enthusiasm for the launch of Chatbot Sophia, stating, “I am ecstatic that Sophia can and will serve as another noteworthy service, contributing to our ongoing efforts to make Quezon City a safer, more secure, and more inclusive place for everyone, particularly our women.”
The partnership between Quezon City and the embassy of Switzerland, along with the introduction of Chatbot Sophia, represents a significant step forward in the fight against violence against women. By incorporating AI technology and providing essential resources and support, the program aims to empower victim-survivors and create a safer environment for all residents of Quezon City.
Source: The Manila Times
