Mobile apps have helped us connect with friends and family and they have, in some way simplified communication between people. From sharing pictures and messages and sometimes making audio and video calls, apps offer a variety of solutions and entertainment. Mobile apps provide access to tasks, maps and messages on tablets and smartphones. They can also provide safety for communities. Apps can be used as a tool to report crime and inform our loved one when we are in danger. Reporting emergencies via an app can reduce response time and potentially save a life.
A safe environment is an important human right and building a safe environment for citizens should be a priority. Advances in technology, such as mobile and GPS-enabled devices, have created a foundation for governments and emergency response providers to develop better services and become accountable.
There have been numerous cases of abuse against women not only in Africa but globally. Women continue to suffer and become victims of violence, rape and domestic abuse. The United Nations Population Fund states that violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world.
There are some impressive safety technology out there that all women should know about. Having these apps on your smartphone may be more important and helpful than having any other game of the week. With violence against women on the rise, ensuring safety has become very important.
In light of the recent outbreak of violence against women, We have compiled a list of apps that not only women but everyone can use to keep safe. Some of these applications are free of charge while others can be bought whether on Google Play or App Store.
Pre-Yell Safety app
This Safety application connects victim with the dear and preferred ones in an Emergency situation, anywhere in the world. It is activated by a touch on the colour coded bars, activating the response chain by sending an SMS to the respondent of your emergency need, including sharing your location. No Verbal response from the Victim is needed at all. The app is available on Google Play.
WatchOver Me
Available for free on Google Play and App Store, WatchOver Me delivers emergency alerts via push notifications. You can press your phone or smartwatch, and help will be called instantly. The members of your personal safety network will receive a notification, and they’ll be able to track your location on a map. Depending on the situation they can talk to you, or contact the emergency services.
The app also has Continuous Safety Monitoring (subscription feature). Once activated, the app periodically asks you to confirm that you’re safe. In case you don’t confirm your safety, the members of your safety network will automatically be alerted.
React Mobile Safety App
A security app available on both Android and iOS. This app works with the React Sidekick, which can be ordered at here. The React Sidekick personal safety device pairs with the React Mobile safety app so that users can quickly send out a widespread emergency alert without having to access and unlock their phone. The app allows users to share GPS location with friends and to keep track of loved ones. When concerned with their safety, users can slide the “Follow Me” button to choose which contacts they would like to share your location with. There is also the “SOS Help Me” button to send out a widespread emergency alert.
Scream Alarm app
A free app that has only one button, which when pressed the phone screams loudly in a woman’s voice. The app is available on Android.
Circle of 6
A free app available for downloads on Android and iOS, Circle of 6 was initially designed for college students and has since evolved and now used by everyone. How the app works is that users pick six friends or family members to be in your circle, then every time you need to be picked up or want them to call/text you, you can hit the car, phone, or chat icons in the app. There’s also a danger button that you can activate to reach hotlines for victims of sexual or domestic abuse.
Red Panic Button
Red Panic Button application is designed to improve the life of all citizens by offering them a higher degree of security in our society. As a mobile device, the application offers users safety guidance in unknown environments (using a GPS option) and helps people feel confident and safe when moving or working. Users can also can also opt to set up emailed panic alerts with more information such as the local time, or Twitter and Facebook panic buttons, which will tweet an emergency message from your account or post as your status once enabled.
VithU App
The main goal of this app is to provide security for women. The app is available on both Android and iOS. At the click of the power button of your smartphone 2 times consecutively, the app sends out alert messages every 2 minutes to contacts that were saved into the app as the designated receivers or guardians.
Fundisiwe Maseko
