International Women’s Day 2025: Must-have gadgets and apps for women’s safety

Sonakshi Dongre, an architect, uses a wellness application for period tracking. “They have been incredibly helpful for monitoring my periods, setting medication reminders, and understanding my mood swings caused by hormonal fluctuations throughout the month,” she told indianexpress.com. She also said the application helps her track Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) and gather data for meaningful discussions with her gynecologist.

Meghna Indurkar, a PCOS educator, said that managing PCOS is easier with the right tools. “Period tracking apps help you monitor cycles and identify patterns, while nutrition apps support balanced eating for hormonal health. Exercise apps keep you moving with PCOS-friendly workouts, and mindfulness apps reduce stress to promote overall well-being,” she said.

Flo Health

Flo Health is a widely used app designed for tracking menstrual cycles and ovulation. It offers AI-driven consultations, symptom tracking, and pregnancy support, catering to individual user needs. The app provides professional health recommendations, ensures privacy with an anonymous mode, and fosters a safe, judgment-free environment. Whether trying to conceive, managing irregular periods, or simply staying informed about reproductive health, Flo helps women prioritise their well-being.

Safetipin

A smartphone application designed for safety, Safetipin provides real-time information about public spaces to help users choose the safest routes. It does this by analysing factors such as lighting, crowd presence, and crowdsourced data. Created with women’s security in mind, the app also collaborates with governments and law enforcement agencies to improve public safety. Whether navigating a new area or commuting late at night, Safetipin helps users make informed choices.

Eyewatch SOS

Eyewatch SOS is an emergency alert app that instantly notifies trusted contacts and emergency services with just one tap. It shares real-time location updates, along with audio and video recordings, ensuring that help is always within reach. The app even functions without an internet connection, making it an essential safety tool for women travelling alone or in unfamiliar areas.

Mandira Neware, a history buff, who organises heritage walks in Nagpur, has the Eyewatch SOS application installed on her phone. “Since I take small and large groups on walks around the city, having an SOS application makes me feel safe.”

Sound Grenade E-Alarm Personal Safety

This compact yet powerful personal safety device emits a 120dB alarm when activated, startling potential threats and alerting people up to 100 metres away. Weighing just 20 grams, it is lightweight, portable, and can be attached to a keychain or bag for easy access. Unlike pepper sprays, which require close proximity to an attacker, this alarm offers a non-violent yet effective way to deter threats.

GABIT Smart Ring

A sleek and lightweight safety and wellness device, the GABIT Smart Ring allows users to send an SOS alert and share real-time location with trusted contacts at the press of a button. Beyond safety, it also monitors health metrics such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, stress levels, sleep, and menstrual cycles. Made from light-weight titanium, it is comfortable for daily wear and boasts a seven-day battery life with water resistance, ideal for an active lifestyle.

Personal GPS Tracker

A compact and portable device, a personal GPS tracker provides real-time location updates, enhancing safety for women travelling alone. Many models come with SOS buttons, geofencing alerts, and fall detection features, making them useful not only for women but also for children and elderly family members. Available as wristbands, keychains, or clip-on devices, GPS trackers offer peace of mind by ensuring help is just a tap away.

Anti-spyware and malware removal applications

In an era where cybercrime, identity theft, and online harassment are rampant, protecting digital privacy is crucial. Anti-spyware and malware removal applications help keep devices secure by detecting and eliminating threats like spyware, ransomware, and viruses. These run in the background, providing real-time protection, browser security, and automatic updates. For women, safeguarding personal data is essential, as cybercriminals often exploit private information for malicious purposes. Bitdefender, Avast, Avira, Malwarebytes, AVG AntiVirus for Android, McAfee, Trend Micro, and Norton 360, are all examples of such apps, but these may require paid subscriptions.

Arya Tyagi, cyber security expert and founder of Webhack Solutions, recommended using eScan CERT-In Bot Removal, a free tool that lets users scan devices for bots, malware, and infected objects and helps users remove them. He also recommended MobiArmour, another free application that provides comprehensive protection against a diverse array of cyber threats.

“Anti-spyware and malware removal software are crucial shields when it comes to digital safety, especially for women, protecting their phones from stalkers, cyber threats, and privacy breaches. By preventing unauthorised access, these apps help safeguard personal data, location, and communications, ensure security, peace of mind, and even save lives in dangerous situations like photo morphing or video morphing,”Tyagi said.

Stay safe, stay empowered

These are just a few of the many innovative tools that can help women prioritise their safety and well-being. “It’s high time women prioritise their health, themselves, and above all, see themselves with dignity,” said Neware, who also uses a period tracker app.

As technology evolves, so do the risks, making it essential to stay informed and prepared. “Small steps lead to big changes—women must take charge of their health using these applications,” said Indurkar.

The Safe Side

As the world evolves, the digital landscape does too, bringing new opportunities—and new risks. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, exploiting vulnerabilities to their advantage. In our special feature series, we delve into the latest cybercrime trends and provide practical tips to help you stay informed, secure, and vigilant online.