VIENNA: Pakistan received international recognition as disability rights activist Abia Akram won a global award for introducing the country’s first accessible AI-powered chatbot designed to support women and girls with disabilities facing gender-based violence (GBV).
The award ceremony, held in Vienna, acknowledged Akram’s leadership in promoting inclusive digital innovation through the Special Talent Exchange Programme (STEP), a cross-disability organization working in Pakistan since 1997.
The recognition centered on “NOOR AI Equal Access,” a multilingual and accessible chatbot launched in 2021 to provide information and referral services related to disability rights and gender-based violence. The platform has emerged as a critical support tool for women with disabilities, particularly those living in remote and underserved regions of Pakistan.
Designed to meet diverse communication needs, the chatbot allows users to interact through text, audio, and symbols. It currently operates in seven languages, including Urdu and Pashto, enabling broader accessibility across different communities.
Women and girls with disabilities in Pakistan often encounter major obstacles when seeking justice, protection, or support services, especially during emergencies or in rural areas. NOOR AI Equal Access aims to bridge that gap by offering confidential and round-the-clock access to verified information and guidance.
Although the platform does not directly connect survivors with live responders, it provides immediate advice and referrals through an integrated directory of legal, psychosocial, and protection services. Since its launch, the chatbot has reached more than 18,000 users, with 62 percent identified as women with disabilities.
According to project data, the platform has facilitated over 5,200 referrals to GBV-related services and contributed to a 28 percent increase in reported gender-based violence cases from rural users, reflecting improved access to reporting mechanisms and support systems.
Stakeholders described the initiative as a major milestone for inclusive technology and disability rights in Pakistan. Developed with support from national and international partners, the non-profit public interest platform is primarily funded by donor agencies, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Project representatives said future plans include expanding the chatbot nationwide, increasing its language capacity to 25 languages, and integrating sign language recognition to further improve accessibility for people with hearing impairments.
“This innovation bridges the gap between isolation and safe access to services,” a project representative said while highlighting the platform’s growing impact on vulnerable communities.
The international recognition of Abia Akram and NOOR AI Equal Access marks a significant achievement for Pakistan’s disability inclusion movement and highlights the country’s growing role in using artificial intelligence and technology to advance human rights and protect marginalized groups.
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