With over 300 idea contributions so far, our Women’s Safety Challenge is buzzing with dynamic, thoughtful content. We are inspired to see a healthy mix of existing community members participating, in addition to an influx of new members diving in to expand the conversation around safety for women and girls. 

As we move towards the final weeks of the Ideas phase, let’s be sure to continue brainstorming around our Opportunity Areas. Whether you’re just joining us in the challenge or have been active in the conversation from the beginning, check out these contribution highlights for some extra inspiration.
 

We are seeing a lot of great ideas emerging around three Opportunity Areas. Here are some of our favorites, and keep up the great work!

LEVERAGING SUPPORT NETWORKS, LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY 

An Easy, Safe and Cashless Transport System

An innovative solution that improves access to emergency transportation, encourages advance planning and facilitates cashless payment.

Submitted by:

Nick Pearson

Boda Boda Patrol

The network of Boda boda riders and their cooperatives champion the protection of women in political campaigns.

Submitted by:

Apiyo Oweka-Laboke

Women Siren Project

A community based rapid response system using texts to rapidly mobilise community action

Submitted by:

Aggrey Willis

 

SUPPORTING WOMEN'S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND SELF-CONFIDENCE

Bicycles for Girls' Empowerment in Bangladesh

Empowering women and girls through low cost bicycle manufacturing and riding skill development for safe and faster mobility.

Submitted by:

Mashuda Khatun

Empowerment of small scale women entrepreneurs

Empowering women vendors by creating a strategic business model and partnership with Mumbai local government.

Submitted by:

Anushree Edbor

AKAWARA: Microcredit to Young Mothers

Teenage mothers have an opportunity through social entrepreneurship: cooperatives of microcredits and says stop to violence against women.

Submitted by:

Néstor Morales
 

CHALLENGING GENDER NORMS AND EXPECTATIONS

Promoting Safety in Shebeens

The idea is to promote safety in shebeens through designed codes and house rules that communicate appropriate and acceptable social behaviour and encourage conduct which could enhance safety and discourage harm to women..

Submitted by:

Andrew Charman

Street Theatre: Storytelling for Social Change

Using street theatre as a medium of expression for women around the country to share their stories on safety and empowerment, thereby creating awareness in local communities, providing a safe zone for open conversation on the challenges and inspiring action amongst women as well as men.

Submitted by:

Vishal Jodhani

Harassing women is a cowardly act.

There are ways to show bravado, build hierarchy in a peer group, or spend idle time - harassing women is not one of these..

Submitted by:

Manjul Rathee
 

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With just a few weeks remaining, there is still time to brainstorm around all of the Opportunity Areas identified in the Research phase. Here are some great examples for your inspiration:

DRIVING INSTITUIONAL CHANGE THROUGH COLLECTIVE ACTION 

Girls as Change Agents: Making School Districts Safer

Enabling secure and affordable school access by partnering with administrations, students, associations and local elected corporations.

Submitted by:

Sonal Shah

Urban Constitution

Writing an urban constitution, building on communal ideas of respect and teaching in schools and community centres.

Submitted by:

Sophie Slater

IMPROVING URBAN SPACES THROUGH COMMUNITY-DRIVEN INITIATIVES

Eyes on Public Transit

The global Zagat of safety and security for women by enabling women to rank their perception of safety.

Submitted by:

John Mulvey

Amplifying Calls for Help: Acoustic Reflectors

Acoustic panels installed in alleys between buildings could help amplify distress calls made from the far end.

Submitted by:

Zoe Villanueva

AVOIDING AND REACTING TO DANGER IN THE MOMENT

Hope through Soap

As an alternate source of income, women in prostitution will make soap which will be distributed to nearby hotels with the human trafficking hotline number on the outer cover.

Submitted by:

Jillian Albert

Red Chilli Powder Filled Glass Bangle for Women's Self-defense

A hollow glass bangle filled with hot red chilli powder or pepper spray for use by women in self-defense.

Submitted by:

                                            Avi Solomon