In an effort to address the increasing crime targeting women and ensure their safety during emergencies, two engineering students from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, have developed a unique jacket. This jacket, equipped with a circuit, can be activated via a mobile application. With the press of a button, it transforms into a protective shield, delivering a shock to anyone attempting to touch its surface.
Riya Shiv and Aditi Sharma, students of engineering and founders of Jigyasa Startup registered in the Jabalpur Incubation Center, are the brains behind this innovative jacket. The girl entrepreneurs said that they would encounter several such instances of eve-teasing during their daily 40km-commute to college, which inspired them to design such a jacket.
Describing the functionality of the jacket, the girls explained that once worn by a woman, it offers a simple defense mechanism. In the event of inappropriate contact with malicious intent, she needs only to press a button discreetly placed inside the pocket. This action triggers shockwaves ranging from 3 to 5 amperes. Similarly, the jacket is connected to a mobile application. As soon as the girl senses danger and presses the button, apart from the shockwave, an SOS message would be sent to the five emergency contacts, alerting them. This application can store numbers of five members including police control.
At present, the jacket is priced at approximately Rs 2699. The girls mentioned that with mass production, they anticipate a reduction in cost, rendering it accessible to a broader spectrum of society.
Encouraging the idea, Shweta Namdev, Manager of Incubation Center Startup said that this security jacket will prove to be highly beneficial for the females travelling alone at late night especially.