What the App? is the place for unfiltered opinions on a gender equality learning app. Here everyone that is interested in making the world more equal is welcome to have a say. Because perspectives and opinions matter.
Equalista: When you hear “gender equality learning app”, what are your first thoughts?
Isaac: In an age where technology is integrated into most, if not all our conceptions of modern problem-solving, it is surprising that it’s only starting to be used to help social justice issues. Equalista’s gender equality learning app is the first of its kind that I have come across, and it promises to be a powerful tool that not only teaches but confronts its users with their own implicit biases. I’m excited that we have arrived at a point where an app serves an issue that can’t be fixed with the click of a button and interested to see if ideas like this will be able to bring about real social change.
Because Equalista’s theme is such a polarising and diverse issue, this concept will likely come under a lot more scrutiny than other educational apps. The combination of social justice and tech startup seem at first glance to contain a contradiction, as both appear to have different or conflicting aims. Having preconceived ideas of what an app can offer as well as of how broad a subject like gender equality is — It’s nice that even the concept already asks me to challenge my views.
Equalista: Why do you think that a mobile learning app could be helpful?
Isaac: I think that as a contribution to the education of gender equality, an app like this is conscientious and proactive. However, I do believe that it will disappoint its users if it attempts to offer the kind of fluency that other learning apps provide.
Tech is primarily useful when it tries to solve problems that relate to individual needs. When the issue is systemic as well as intersectional, tech’s ability to sustain an engaged audience is less apparent. Educational tools and resources, however, are crucial to changing perspectives, and any addition is ultimately helpful. I guess the critical question is, will this app be able to serve its function? If its function is to turn education into empowerment.
Equalista: Do you see any potential risks or have worries about a gender equality learning app?
Isaac: The risk of offering any educational product is that the information you provide can always be contested. Some important viewpoints will undoubtedly be missed, while others might contradict each other entirely. With Equalista’s pledge as a company to seek criticism and intersecting perspectives, the app should grow with its user base.
The only concern I have is that the app might only appeal to a particular demographic of people already sympathetic or already challenging their implicit biases. Potentially antagonizing the group of people who would benefit most from learning about this subject.
Equalista: What do you hope to learn with Equalista?
Isaac: Of interest, is the action training function in the app that teaches users to identify and respond to situations of inequality. For me, this is the most exciting addition to the platform — I often find myself in situations where it’s unclear if I should have done more to hold myself and others accountable for our actions.
In a way, this is the most valuable tool I can imagine for bringing about real change in the lives of its users, changing the function of the app from being an info point to a catalyst inviting us all to stand up and act.
Isaac Moss
Isaac is an artist living and working in Berlin, originally from the UK. A painter, his work is primarily about the relationship between language and image. He has his work published in SLEEK magazine, Wasitgoodforyou and Saatchi Art.
He also runs the Chamber Pot Club – An online space to build a feeling of community during the isolation period of the Covid-19 pandemic through sharing articles about anything and everything.
Isaac Moss
Isaac is an artist living and working in Berlin, originally from the UK. A painter, his work is primarily about the relationship between language and image. He has his work published in SLEEK magazine, Wasitgoodforyou and Saatchi Art.
He also runs the Chamber Pot Club – An online space to build a feeling of community during the isolation period of the Covid-19 pandemic through sharing articles about anything and everything.
Want to find out more and support Equalista’s goal towards a more equal world? We’re currently live on Kickstarter – and we need your help!