Safety of Women and Minorities with Internet of Things (IoT)
Over the years, women and minorities have been known to be susceptible to
safety challenges and issues as a result of various social vulnerabilities, limited
resources, and inequalities/discrimination. Studies have shown that harassment and
violence against women and minorities are often underreported and minimally
addressed, thus, leading to widespread negative societal impacts such as limited
mobility and reduced access to public spaces and employment opportunities [1].
These issues are often dominant in urban settings, where rapid growth often reduce
the infrastructures needed for effective public safety measures.
The lack of accessible, reliable safety devices has resulted in a rising demand
for technology-driven solutions that ensure user security without compromising
privacy or convenience. Existing safety devices, like manual panic buttons and GPS
tracking apps, require active engagement by the users and may lack the situational
awareness necessary to respond to unexpected threats. Addressing these limitations,
wearable Internet of Things (IoT) devices with automated features and real-time
communication capabilities gives an opportunity to improve personal safety, most
especially for women and minorities who experience elevated risk [2].
The Internet of Things (IoT) has provided support through technological
assisted solutions of connected devices. IoT technology has steadily evolved in the
realm of personal safety, with wearables like smartwatches and dedicated panic
buttons becoming popular options for individuals seeking additional protection.
These devices typically offer features such as GPS tracking, one-touch emergency
alerts, and real-time monitoring. However, they often lack automation and require
users to initiate alerts manually, which may not be feasible in high-risk situations
where time is critical [2]. Furthermore, current devices primarily rely on sound or
visible alerts that may inadvertently escalate a situation by drawing attention to the
user.
Recent advancements in IoT technology have paved the way for more
advanced safety solutions. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with IoT
wearables allows for the detection of environmental cues and user emotions,
potentially automating responses in cases of distress [1]. Additionally, improvements
in wireless connectivity, such as mesh networking and long-range Bluetooth, have
enabled IoT devices to function in remote or low-signal areas, expanding their utility
beyond urban settings. Thes developments indicate that IoT technology can be
further leveraged to create discreet, adaptive, and proactive safety devices for
vulnerable populations like women and minorities [4].
The safety and security of women and minority communities are deeply
rooted in cultural and societal contexts. In many regions, most especially developing
countries in Africa, cultural norms and biases often heighten the groups’ exposure to
risks in both public and private spaces. These individuals may face harassment,
discrimination, or violence at rates higher than other groups like men, which can
discourage them from fully participating in public life, accessing resources, or
pursuing opportunities [3] because of stigmatization. Consequently, developing
accessible and effective safety solutions is not only a matter of public safety but also
a step toward fostering equality, empowerment, and well-being for marginalized
communities.
The introduction of a discreet, automated IoT wearable specifically designed
for safety can have a transformative impact on women and minorities. By reducing
the physical and mental barriers associated with personal safety, this device can
possibly empower users to feel more secure and confident in navigating various
environments. Additionally, the proposed device’s real-time communication with
emergency contacts and local security services could potentially reduce response
times, enhancing the effectiveness of local safety infrastructure. Through its unique
approach to discreet alerts and automation, this IoT solution directly addresses
cultural and social safety challenges, paving the way for greater inclusion and peace
of mind for at-risk individuals [1],[4].
This proposed IoT device, which would be designed as a wearable watch,
provides innovative features that set it apart from current safety technologies.
Equipped with silent haptic feedback, emotion detection algorithms, automated
emergency alert capabilities, the device can detect suspicious sounds or visual cues,
prompting alerts without requiring the user’s intervention. Furthermore, users would
be able to connect the device seamlessly to other devices, potentially using
HarmonyOS, which has demonstrated smooth and reliable connectivity. These
features are greatly needed especially in situations where traditional devices fall
short, such as when a user is unable to manually activate an alert due to a high-risk
situation or physical limitations.
Unlike existing safety wearables that rely on manual inputs and visible alerts,
the proposed device is designed to offer silent haptic feedback and emotion-based
alerts makes it a unique, non-intrusive safety solution. The device leverages AI-
driven emotion detection, which monitors the user’s physiological and behavioral
signals for signs of distress. When triggered, it automatically alerts emergency
contacts and nearby security agencies, thus eliminating the need for user action and
enhancing response efficiency. This functionality addresses a significant gap in the
current IoT safety device market, where most devices rely solely on user interaction
[2].
To further address the limitations of connectivity, this device incorporates
low-power Bluetooth and mesh networking capabilities, enabling it to function in
remote or low-signal areas. This ensures accessibility and reliable communication
even in regions where cellular service may be limited, making it especially useful
for minority populations in rural or underserved areas. By providing enhanced safety
in a discreet and automated manner, this wearable device meets a critical need in the
IoT landscape for personal safety, filling a gap left by existing solutions [1], [4].
In conclusion, it is important to be inclusive of the security and safety of
everyone most especially women and children, and not get lost in the fantasy of
technological advancement. This IoT device aims to bridge safety gaps through
automation and discretion, empowering vulnerable populations to navigate public
spaces with increased confidence and security.
References
[1] M. S. Farooq, et al., “The Role of IoT in Woman’s Safety: A Systematic
Literature Review,” IEEE Access, vol. 11, pp. 69807–69825, 2023.
[2] L. Breen, “Best Personal Safety Tech,” Wired, Mar. 2023.
[3] World Bank, “Safety at Work and in Public Spaces,” Women, Business
and the Law, 2024.
[4] RapidSOS, “Wearable Technology is the Future of Workplace Safety,”
RapidSOS, 2023.