Vienna(Parliament Times): Pakistan has earned global recognition as disability rights leader Abia Akram received an international award for pioneering the country’s first-ever accessible, AI-powered chatbot addressing gender-based violence (GBV) against women with disabilities.
The award ceremony, held in Vienna, honored Akram’s leadership in advancing inclusive technology through the Special Talent Exchange Programme (STEP), a cross-disability organization working in Pakistan since 1997. The recognition highlights the impact of NOOR AI Equal Access, a multilingual and accessible chatbot designed to support women and girls with disabilities facing violence and discrimination.
Launched in 2021, NOOR AI Equal Access provides critical information and referral services on disability rights and GBV. The AI-powered platform is uniquely designed to accommodate diverse communication needs, offering interaction through text, audio, and symbols. It currently operates in seven languages, including Urdu and Pashto, making it accessible to users across Pakistan, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Women and girls with disabilities in Pakistan often face significant barriers in accessing justice and support services, especially during crises or in remote regions. NOOR AI aims to bridge this gap by offering confidential, 24/7 access to verified information and guidance. While it does not connect users directly to live responders, it empowers them with immediate advice and referrals to appropriate authorities through an integrated directory of legal, psychosocial, and protection services.
Since its launch, the chatbot has reached over 18,000 users, with 62 percent identified as women with disabilities. It has facilitated more than 5,200 referrals to GBV-related services. Notably, the platform has contributed to a 28 percent increase in reported cases of gender-based violence from rural users—an indication of improved access to reporting mechanisms.
Speaking on the achievement, stakeholders emphasized that the initiative represents a major step toward inclusive digital innovation in Pakistan. Developed in collaboration with national and international partners, NOOR AI operates as a non-profit public interest tool, primarily funded by donor agencies including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Looking ahead, STEP plans to expand the chatbot’s reach nationwide and increase its language capacity to 25 languages. The integration of sign language recognition is also underway, further enhancing accessibility for users with hearing impairments.
“This innovation bridges the gap between isolation and safe access to services,” said a project representative, underscoring the platform’s transformative potential.
The global recognition of Abia Akram and NOOR AI Equal Access marks a significant milestone for Pakistan’s disability inclusion movement, reinforcing the country’s role in leveraging technology to advance human rights and protect vulnerable communities.