TechGBV: Transforming SGBV Learning through Interactive Technology

...this approach revolutionizes existing humanitarian practices by providing immersive, hands-on training that goes beyond traditional classroom methods."

WHAT HUMANITARIAN NEED WAS ADDRESSED?

This pilot project in Iraq tackled the pressing humanitarian need for enhanced Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention. It targeted gaps in knowledge and support for implementing GBV prevention activities, while also addressed internal biases around gender and power dynamics. Through the use of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, non-specialist teams received comprehensive GBV training. This training aimed to equip them with the skills to recognise and address biases, improve GBV prevention capabilities, and provide effective support to individuals affected by GBV. Ultimately, the project sought to create safer environments and strengthen GBV response mechanisms in humanitarian contexts.

HOW DID THE INNOVATIVE SOLUTION IMPACT HUMANITARIAN PRACTISE?

The VR solution strengthened humanitarian practice by creating a more realistic and survivor centred learning environment for frontline staff. Traditional GBV training often struggles to shift attitudes, but immersive scenarios enabled participants to recognise bias, reflect on harmful responses, and practise safer behaviours in line with global learning standards.

Feedback from staff and volunteers showed improved empathy, better quality of referrals, and greater comfort discussing sensitive topics such as early marriage and intimate partner violence. The approach also increased management buy-in, with several IRCS branches requesting integration of the VR training into broader protection and MHPSS activities. By making GBV concepts more tangible and emotionally resonant, the innovation helped move learning from theory to practice and supported safer, more accountable services for communities

WHAT PROGRESS WAS ACHIEVED AND WHAT WERE THE KEY LEARNINGS?

The project achieved several milestones, including the full development of the VR prototype, deployment across seven IRCS branches, and the training of 20 ToT participants who later cascaded GBV sessions to more than 90 frontliners. Data from pre/post assessments also showed meaningful improvements in empathy, survivor centred attitudes, and confidence in referral pathways. Field feedback highlighted operational strengths such as smoother coordination, stronger management buy in, and increased interest in scaling.

We also learned that introducing immersive technology in humanitarian settings requires careful planning around staff wellbeing, safe debriefing, language adaptation, and managing misconceptions about GBV. Technical challenges, limited bandwidth in some branches, and the need for culturally sensitive storylines were also key insights. These findings reinforce global guidance that innovation must be iterative, user driven, and grounded in ethical principles.

FUTURE POTENTIAL AND LESSONS FOR INNOVATION

The VR model has strong potential to evolve by adapting storylines to new contexts, languages, and forms of violence, and by integrating it into broader training packages for cash, MHPSS, and protection. The project showed that immersive learning can strengthen empathy and improve staff practices when combined with guided reflection, which aligns with global evidence on experiential learning and behaviour change in GBV training  

Key lessons include the need for early user involvement, iterative testing, survivor informed design, and flexible partnerships that allow for adaptation. There is significant room for collaboration with other National Societies, humanitarian agencies, and academic partners to validate outcomes at a larger scale. The experience also opens opportunities to explore co-funding models and integrate VR within national training systems for sustained impact.

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