Master’s student develops AI tool to help tackle gender-based violence in humanitarian crisis zones

A University of Hertfordshire master's student has created an artificial intelligence tool to help humanitarian workers respond more effectively and safely to gender-based violence in crisis situations.

Elly Mulaha, 35, grew up in Kenya and is studying for an MSc in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence at the University.

His AI-powered assistant is now being piloted in the field by humanitarian aid workers in Jordan, Lebanon, Gaza and Syria.

The impact of his work recently led to Elly presenting it at the AI for Good Global Summit held in Geneva, Switzerland – a global audience of leading researchers, policymakers, innovators and industry experts exploring how artificial intelligence can address some of society’s most pressing challenges.

His AI assistant, called LOAIS (Localized Offline AI System), was designed with support from the University, to support frontline humanitarian workers operating in low-connectivity and high-risk environments.

It draws on Elly’s 14 years of experience working across the humanitarian and development sectors, including with the United Nations, Red Cross and Red Crescent organisations, and USAID-funded programmes.

Elly developed it to address a common challenge faced by emergency response teams: accessing timely, context-specific guidance when working in difficult and rapidly changing conditions.

LOAIS is an offline-first application that provides guidance based on approved humanitarian resources and documents. Designed for use in both Arabic and English, it supports voice and text input and helps users access information relating to gender-based violence in emergencies without requiring a reliable internet connection.

LOAIS includes strong safeguards, such as data protection measures and controls to ensure it supports decision-making and learning rather than case management or incident reporting.

For Elly, being selected to present at the summit represented an opportunity to demonstrate how emerging technologies can be applied to real-world humanitarian challenges. He said:

"I am passionate about responsible AI and developing practical technologies that help frontline workers make informed decisions in complex situations. Being invited to present at the AI for Good Global Summit was a fantastic opportunity to share how AI can be used to support humanitarian action in a safe, ethical and meaningful way."

Elly’s success highlights how academic study can turn professional experience into innovative solutions.

University of Hertfordshire's AI expertise helped create the  AI tool

Elly credits the University of Hertfordshire, and in particular Dr Mohammed Bahja, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, with helping shape the technical foundations of the project.

During the University's Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence module, Dr Bahja provided guidance on the technology architecture and the selection of suitable large language models that would support the development of the idea. Elly added:

"Dr Bahja was incredibly supportive in helping me explore the technology options available and understand how AI could be applied effectively to this problem. The project aligns closely with my master's studies and the work I hope to continue developing in the future."

Dr Charmagne Barnes, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience) at the University of Hertfordshire commented:

"Elly's achievement is a wonderful example of how students can combine academic learning with professional experience to create solutions that address important global challenges.

“His work demonstrates both technical innovation and a strong commitment to ethical and responsible AI. We are delighted to see his research and development being recognised on an international stage.

“Elly represents one of many enterprising and creative students who are using their talents and time at Herts, together with our helping hand, to make the world a better place.”

Learn more about studying computer science at master’s level at the University of Hertfordshire. See all available courses in Clearing.