Abstract
Background Gender-based violence (GBV) is a great problem in South Africa. The study aimed to assess the private sector employees' perceptions of GBV and mobile app initiatives organisations undertake to respond to GBV.Methods The study employed a qualitative, exploratory design. Ten participants from 10 different private-sector organizations were purposively sampled, and virtual interviews were conducted. The collected data was analysed thematically to generate the findings.Results The study found that integrating mobile apps of digital safety tools into frameworks for GBV intervention offered a promising approach for organisations seeking to create a safer and more inclusive environment. A holistic and human-centred approach to digital innovation of mobile apps holds the key to organisations ensuring that they can effectively prevent and address issues concerning GBV.Conclusions The study recommends that future research implement specific AI apps within various organisations to assess their effectiveness in real-world settings. The findings provide valuable insights into the practical benefits and challenges of integrating technology into GBV interventions.