Binti Digital Storytelling App
“It’s not always easy to figure out how to make an impact as a college student without a steady income. But I’ve learned to do what I can, with what I have, for as long as I can. By nature, I’m a storyteller. I love sharing my life, my travels, and my experiences — not just to speak, but to uplift others, help them feel whole, valued, and seen. Storytelling has also been my way of healing, giving voice to experiences that were too painful to carry in silence. Recognizing the power in stories, I chose to empower women in the best way I know how: by encouraging them to tell stories that matter”
Sarah Balekage, Founder of Binti Voice Initiative
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”
Theodore Roosevelt
Summary of the business concept of Binti
Problem
Congo is my home, and for over 30 years, it has faced ongoing conflict fueled by natural resources, corruption, and the struggle for power. In the midst of this, countless innocent people have suffered — especially women, who have been the most vulnerable to gender-based violence like rape, often used as a weapon of war. Beyond the physical harm, rape leaves deep emotional scars, stripping women of their dignity, self-worth, and place in society due to the heavy stigma it carries.
while these women need mental health care and many organizations have worked to support them, Congo still faces a major gap in psychological support due to a shortage of professional therapists.
Solution
Knowing the healing power of storytelling and narrative therapy, I’m creating a storytelling app designed to help women connect, share their experiences, and support one another in their healing journeys.
This app will offer a safe space for women to tell their stories, access information about available resources, and build a community despite physical distance. While it won’t replace professional mental health services, it will be a meaningful step toward addressing Congo’s mental health crisis for women affected by gender-based violence.
In a country where gender inequality limits women’s access to technology, this app will also serve as a tool for digital empowerment — giving women the opportunity to confidently use cell phones, stay informed, and take control of their healing process.
Functionality of Binti
- This app will serve as a platform for networking, empowerment and also advocacy.
- The app will be designed with functional tabs such as:
- A voice recording memo, for women to anonymously record testimonials of gender based violence.
- A virtual group monitored by a social worker and helpful for women to exchange healing and escaping strategies to overcome violence
- A resource page for women to identify and access nearby social services, hospitals and care providers.
- A tab of Educational resources to raise awareness and fight against violence
- A GPS location tracking to prevent kidnapping and speed the rescue process
- Emergency contacts
- A safety plan builder
- A navigation tab for positive affirmation, reassurance of value and self-love challenge
- A navigation tab of weekly/monthly progress
How will the app works
Once an agency subscribes, their clients can download the app through the App Store or Play Store. Agencies will pay a monthly subscription to keep the app active and updated.
Features:
- Online: Voice recording, virtual group audio chats
- Offline: Resource hub, positive affirmations challenge, self-worth tools, emergency contacts, and a safety plan builder
- A resource page will list other treatment centers for women seeking better care options.
Basic Market Research Overview
Why Sell to Agencies:
Most women can’t afford or easily navigate this service on their own. That’s why I aim to partner with agencies already working with women:
- Churches
- Hospitals (like Panzi)
- Mental health centers
- NGOs (IRC, Red Cross, Oxfam, Women for Women International)
Why Subscriptions, Not One-Time Sales:
I want to stay actively involved, track the impact, and ensure the app is truly helping women. Partnering through subscriptions keeps me connected, drives lasting change, and opens conversations around gender-based violence in Congo’s society.
Who This App Is For:
Women in Congo — victims and survivors of gender-based violence.
- Agencies will offer the app as part of their services, just like schools provide job platforms to students.
- Creates connections with other organizations for holistic support.
- Helps raise international awareness through women’s stories (with their consent), increasing funds for additional services.
- Complements existing aid while giving women tools to take charge of their healing.
Requirements:
A smartphone, internet connection, and electricity.
Community Interaction:
Every week, the app will post a new question to spark conversations and connection among women.
Draft pricing and competition
In Congo, several organizations support survivors of gender-based violence, but only two apps currently exist in this space:
- MediCapt — A $700 app for medical professionals to document forensic evidence and injury photos.
- MyAmbarThe — A free app by the Vodacom Foundation with an SOS button, informative content, and self-risk assessments.
Where Binti Stands Out:
Unlike these apps, Binti focuses on healing through storytelling. Its primary feature is a voice recording tool that lets women share their experiences for personal healing and peer connection. It also includes similar features like an SOS button, resource page, and safety plan builder.
Proposed Pricing:
- $200 initial setup fee per agency
- $2–$5 monthly subscription per user for maintenance and growth
Final pricing will be confirmed as the project develops.
Basic Financial Analysis
Market Size
With additional NGOs, the target market reaches over 20,000 potential users annually.
Panzi Hospital runs 28 healthcare centers treating 4,000 women per year.
Profit Plan
If just 300 users subscribe, the app could generate $6,000/month.
Revenue Allocation:
30% donated to cover meals and medical bills for survivors
70% for research, maintenance, outreach, and training (including travel)
Projected Costs
Upfront Costs:
- App design, logo & trademark (Adobe Creative Cloud Student) — $239.88/year
- Prototype development (Junior developer @ $25–50/hour, 100 hours) — $5,000
- Legal feasibility study & contracts — $5,000
- Developer accounts (Apple & Google) — $124
- Licenses, copyright, permits — $1,500
- Initial marketing & outreach (incl. travel) — $5,000
Total Startup Costs: $16,863.88
Long-Term Costs
- Ongoing marketing & outreach (countrywide travel)
- Continuous user surveys for app improvement
- Regular app maintenance and training
30% of the annual revenue will be donated to cover meals and medical bills for survivors of sexual violence
FAQS
Coming soon!