SHIELD | European AI-Powered Gender-Based Violence Reduction Initiative is an Erasmus+ KA2 project aiming to address gender-based violence (GBV) through innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions, enhancing detection and intervention strategies.

The Kick-Off Meeting took place on December 3rd, hosted by CESIE in the beautiful city of Palermo, bringing together partners from across Europe.

SHIELD is coordinated by Giovani Senza Frontiere – Giosef Italy and supported by a strong network of partners: CESIE ETS, UA – Universidad de Alicante / Universitat d’Alacant, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, KMOP, Dutch Foundation of Innovation Welfare 2 Work, including BIRA – Basque International Research Association.

In this project BIRA will lead the work on the development of an innovative AI-based chatbot and app thanks to its expertise and the excellence of its multidisciplinary team of experts. This AI-based chatbot will be used on one hand as a self-assessment tool for the youth and on the other hand as a guidance for the youth workers in addressing cases of GBV. In addition BIRA will contribute to research phase on Ethics, policy and methodology conducted by the University of Oldenburg to address the ethical implications of using AI and digital tools in the fight against GBV with youth.

The meeting laid the foundation for dynamic collaborations and forward-thinking strategies, with AI serving as the cornerstone of this innovative initiative. Together, we aim to break barriers and foster equality through technology-driven solutions.

Follow us to stay updated on the project’s progress and BIRA’s contribution to developing AI-based tools to tackle gender-based violence.