AzMina
Brazil
Community is an antidote to violence. It’s why AzMina harnesses digital technology to build collective power and end violence against women, girls, and trans people. Its app, PenhaS, has unleashed an organic network of women who have broken the cycle of violence in their own lives and are determined to help others.
How does it work? One user, for example, found the app and described the violence she was experiencing at the hands of her partner. In response, other users offered their support, encouraged her to end the relationship, and shared resources for expert help. Four days later, she returned to the app and reported that she had left the house and filed complaints against her attacker. The network’s response had proved to be powerful—and completely organic. As AzMina shared: “This was not a service provided directly by our team, and it shows the importance of creating a network of women who listen and strengthen each other to break the cycles of violence.”
Now the app is quickly catching on. AzMina is hearing that judges, prosecutors, and police officers are recommending the app to other women experiencing violence, expanding the network ever further and bringing the promise of change to many more lives.