Gershad
Gershad, launched in 2016 by United for Iran in collaboration with ASL19, is a mobile app enabling users to report and avoid the locations of morality police and security forces in Iran. The app gained immediate popularity, winning the 2016 Bobs Tech-for-Good Award from Deutsche Welle. However, over time, it lost traction and its user base.
During my tenure as the Director of Civic Tech Products at United for Iran, I led a comprehensive revamp of Gershad, securing over $1M in funding and relaunching the app in 2022. This revamped version once again attracted tens of thousands of users, becoming an essential tool during the 2022 Women, Life, Freedom protests.
“Tens of thousands of women are now using Gershad, which has become a critical resource for navigating public spaces safely under oppressive conditions.”
“The mapping app Gershad, launched in 2016, allows people in Iran — primarily women — to mark the location of the country’s morality police so that others can avoid them. It is a powerful tool of resistance, particularly during times of heightened oppression.”
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Revamp Process
The revamp of Gershad followed a four-step process that ensured its alignment with user needs and socio-political realities, ultimately resulting in a revitalized product.
1. Research and Evaluation
The process began with an in-depth evaluation of Gershad’s existing functionality and alignment with user needs. I collaborated with data scientists and user researchers to identify key areas for improvement, uncover emerging pain points, and explore opportunities for expanding the user base. This included understanding the challenges faced by Iranian citizens navigating public spaces and adapting the app to address both their safety concerns and new socio-political realities. The insights gained from this research laid the foundation for the revamp, ensuring every decision was rooted in evidence and user feedback.
2. Strategic Planning and Fundraising:
Building on the research findings, I developed a detailed strategic roadmap outlining the features and enhancements necessary to revitalize Gershad. This roadmap served as both a guiding document for the revamp and a critical tool for securing over $1M in funding. My role included leading grant-writing efforts, preparing compelling proposals, and developing essential artifacts such as a security plan, contingency plan, and detailed budget sheets. These efforts not only ensured the financial sustainability of the project but also demonstrated the app’s importance to key stakeholders, paving the way for its successful execution.
3. Delivery and Relaunch:
With funding secured, the delivery phase was led by the technical partner, ASL19, and closely guided by the product owner. This phase involved the implementation of key updates, including enhanced privacy features, improved user experience, and the critical addition of riot police tracking during the 2022 Women, Life, Freedom protests. While my role in this phase was minimal, I supported the team by providing input as needed and ensuring alignment with the strategic vision. The revamped Gershad was successfully relaunched in 2022, regaining tens of thousands of active users and receiving global media attention as a vital tool for protecting citizens in oppressive conditions.