In cities worldwide, safety isn’t a given – especially for women. Every day, travel can carry hidden risks: a shortcut home might feel like a thriller scene, and a stranger’s footsteps might echo too loudly. But fear shouldn’t be part of the commute. As we enter a new digital era, smart tools for safer streets are transforming how women move through urban spaces. From emergency buttons to predictive alerts, smartphones are becoming lifelines, giving women greater confidence, awareness, and control.
Smart tools for safer streets in action: shake, alert, protect with Shakti
Launched by the Andhra Pradesh government, the Shakti App empowers women with instant access to police support in emergencies. By simply shaking their phone three times, users can send an SOS alert that instantly notifies nearby police stations. The app shares the user’s GPS location, enabling police to respond in just 6 to 10 minutes. With over 15 million downloads, the app has gained widespread trust and adoption across the state. Special “Shakti Teams” patrol over 900 identified hotspots, providing rapid on-ground support and acting as a deterrent to potential offenders.
The app offers beyond emergency alerts – it includes Safe Travel tracking, access to night shelters, and family counselling requests. Shakti App stands as a powerful example of how smart technology can transform public safety and empower women to reclaim their spaces.
SafeUP x Moovit: safer journeys through smart navigation
SafeUP integrates Moovit’s trip planner to enhance journey planning for women in the UK and Israel. Users can view Safe places, nearby guardians, and share their itinerary with trusted contacts. The app enables requesting accompaniment from SafeUP Guardians via video or chat at any point along their route. This partnership aims to reduce travel anxiety and promote safer, more confident commuting experiences for women.
Epowar: smartwatch alerts that sense danger
Epowar connects with smartwatches to detect distress through changes in movement and heart rate. If the app senses signs of struggle or panic, it automatically triggers an alert. Epowar silently notifies emergency contacts and begins recording audio for evidence. It works hands-free, designed for moments when reaching your phone isn’t possible. The app targets unconscious or unexpected attacks, reacting when the user can’t. Epowar aims to stop violence before it escalates by acting at the first sign of fear. Developed by a student entrepreneur, the app blends wearable tech with real-time safety. It’s not just reactive – it’s predictive, sensing what users might not say.
SHEROES: building a safe digital sisterhood
SHEROES offers a women-only platform fostering connection, support, and empowerment. Users engage in communities focused on health, relationships, legal rights, and personal growth. The app provides access to certified counselors through the Ask SHEROES helpline, available 24/7. Women can seek advice on career, domestic violence, mental health, and more in a confidential setting. SHEROES emphasizes safety by verifying user gender and allowing reporting of suspicious profiles. The platform encourages sharing experiences, learning new skills, and accessing resources for personal development. With AI-driven features, SHEROES creates a trusted environment for women to thrive online. More than an app, SHEROES is a movement for safer, more inclusive digital spaces.
Territoria: mapping safety for women in monterrey
Territoria is an interactive map highlighting areas in Monterrey, Mexico, where women may feel unsafe. Developed by the NGO Georregias, it utilizes gender violence reports from Monterrey’s open data portal and based on lived experiences gathered through on-the-ground surveys with local women.
The map features layers indicating metro stations, 911 gender violence reports, perceived unsafe areas, and perceived safe spaces. Users can explore these layers to better understand the city’s safety landscape. Future enhancements aim to incorporate more data points, identify establishments recognized as safe by the community. Territoria turns data into action, spotlighting where safety needs to improve – and where it already thrives.
Just Her Rideshare: women driving women, safely
Just Her Rideshare is a women-led rideshare service designed to prioritize safety, comfort, and community for women. Operating in cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Charleston, it connects female drivers with female passengers.
The app features real-time GPS tracking, an SOS button for emergencies, and customizable ride preferences, including music and temperature settings. Drivers undergo thorough background checks to ensure a secure environment. Beyond transportation, Just Her fosters a supportive community through its Just Her Hub platform, offering resources on topics like domestic violence and sexual assault. But Just Her is more than a ride – it’s a platform for empowerment and solidarity.
Go Jauntly: navigating urban walks with safety and serenity
Go Jauntly is a free walking app that helps users discover nature-filled walking routes in urban areas across the UK and Ireland. It offers curated photo-led guides, green routes, and walking challenges to encourage outdoor exploration and well-being.
The app includes safety features such as sharing live tracking with friends, allowing users to feel more secure during their walks. The app also features accessibility tools like wheelchair-friendly filters and voiceover support, ensuring inclusivity for all users.
My Safetipin: crowdsourcing safer streets for women
My Safetipin is a free personal safety app that helps users evaluate and navigate urban spaces more confidently. It assigns safety scores based on lighting, visibility, openness, security, and presence of people, among other factors. Users actively contribute by uploading photos, rating areas, conducting safety audits, and sharing personal experiences about different locations. The app offers real-time GPS tracking and lets users share their routes with trusted contacts. Contacts get alerts if users stop moving, enter unsafe zones, or stray from their planned path.
The “Safest Route” feature helps users choose safer paths over shorter or faster ones. “Nearby Places” recommends safe spots like cafés or clinics where users can wait or seek help. In India, “Find Support” lists verified shelters, NGOs, police stations, and other emergency assistance locations. My Safetipin builds safer cities by combining technology, community data, and everyday awareness. It helps women navigate their environments confidently, one street at a time.
Safety begins with awareness, support, and smart tools for safer streets. These apps offer more than protection – they restore agency, ease, and freedom. While no tool is perfect, technology helps build stronger, safer cities where women move confidently and freely.
More details about gender inclusive urban mobility here.
