A new center has been developed by the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) in the Thane district of Maharashtra. Its goal is to supervise the CCTV output from every civic school to ensure students especially women’s safety. 

This action comes after two four-year-old girls were alleged to have been sexually assaulted in the school restroom in the Badlapur area of the district last month by a male attendant. 

Women face many types of harassment, including in workplaces, on the streets, and even domestic violence. Despite the efforts to achieve gender equality, women have been suffering from violence and harassment. Survivor rates show that a third of all women across the world have been subjected to physical or sexual abuse at some stage in their lives. This is an alarming situation, and this is why the practical measures of protection and safety are required urgently. As now technology is very advanced, using it as a tool for ensuring women’s safety is a must. 

In what ways the use of technology could be beneficial to the protection of women? 

Mobile apps for personal safety

There are applications that provide the users with assistance and support instantly. It enables users to quickly call for help or give notice to a person they trust if the woman feels endangered by applying for corresponding applications. In cases where one is in danger, then these apps will prove helpful. They often have reassuring features such as automatic notifications, emergency numbers, and real-time location tracking. 

Vith U: V Gumrah Initiative  

V Gumrah Project Star India Pvt. Ltd.’s is an emergency contact and notification application. It can be a lifesaver; it has been downloaded more than 2 million times in the Google Play Store

Suraksha app 

This is a new form of an active, police-controlled, evidence-based method of arresting those who perpetrate violence against women. It has been introduced by the Karnataka government. This is an Android application available for free download on smartphones that will help women in distress, to call the police because it is connected to the city’s police patrol cars as well as the police control room.  

Also, cars have been given to the government to help patrol cities for women’s rights and protection. The victim of this app must point the phone at the assailant’s face to have the camera record 10 seconds of the scene. It will then be followed by an alarm and the video, which will go to the control room. 

Wearable Technology 

Smart watches, wristbands, or pendants, which are smart wearable devices having options for emergency services or personal alarms, can send SOS signals with just one touch of a button. The wearer can tell friends and family members if they feel threatened. 

Safelet 

An example of a gadget that many people, especially women in the US, prefer to have been a safety bracelet that is fashionable and serving the purpose of protecting women. It is not intended to be put on every time you step out but when the person feels they’re going to some unsafe place. 

Leaf (SAFER) 

The Indian invention called ‘Leaf’ was made to protect today’s Indian woman It presents a range of women’s accessories that are coupled with elegance and flexibility of carrying and wearing a philosophy of security. The notification can start as soon as the button is pressed. It offers seven days’ usage in a single 15-minute charge and has a total mass of less than 40 grams. 

Surveillance and Security Systems 

Smart cameras and motion detectors are two of the most sophisticated home security systems that enable users to monitor their homes from a distance. Notification platforms such as Ring and Nest are systems that help in minimizing invasions of private spaces by offering the alert and video stream in real time. 

Gadgets for Personal Safety 

Personal Alarms

Objects such as horns, which sound a siren whenever a button is pressed, may attract people’s attention and help to drive away attackers. In an emergency, small devices with alarms can prove to be really useful to scare away the attacker.  

Safety Alarm Watch Wristlet with High Pitched Whistle 

It is handheld and is placed in the outer pockets of backpacks. It works as a trap when the pin is pulled, the attacker is revealed, and the alarm rings. Besides, there is an LED light that seems to be permanently on. 

She’s Birdie—The First Portable Safety Alarm 

She’s Birdie is a small, easy-to-use, and simple-to-handle individual security device that helps a woman feel protected in many situations. That is the small part that makes a kind of pin, audible sound when pulled. 

Pepper Spray Handgun 

It is one of the legal defensive tools that women or even men can use to defend themselves. Pepper spray does not require direct application to the eyes for effective use. The irritation property of this spray may affect the user’s skin and eyes. This is better than the original pepper spray.

Self-Defense Keychains 

Women who take a keychain with a hidden knife or an alarm function built in, enjoy an extra layer of protection.

MUNIO Self Protection Kubaton Keychain 

Despite being a small keychain accessory, it is quite a powerful tool. The simplicity of the kubaton structure and its production of polymer material allows for the convenient location of the pointy end, which can be used to effectively smack the attacker. 

Shock Effect Torches

Some torches also have a built-in electric shock capability, thus increasing their security measure. In order to avoid a probable threat, it activates both the light and a powerful electric shock simultaneously.

Improving Workplace Safety 

Both technological advancements and legislative changes are necessary to create a safe workplace for women. 

Digital Reporting System 

Employers can use hotlines and other private reporting procedures that will enable the organization to report harassment or violence to the relevant authorities. This includes Safe Workplace Options where information is provided to the victims and an anonymous reporting process is facilitated. 

Training and Awareness Programs 

These topics should have refresher training programs involving recognition and prevention of harassment and creation of a culture of equality and safety for workplaces. Support systems and reporting procedures should be through programs for which employees undergo necessary training. 

Although the current scenario is rather unsafe for women, the technology and practical safety gadgets are helpful instruments to improve the safety of women and give them peace of mind.  Providing women with necessary technological assistance for their protection, offering support and training at workplace, would help minimize the risk of dangers to women.