“Empowering Women Everywhere: Lucknow Startup Revolutionizes Safety with Innovative App”

by Team Iamsafeatwork

03-07-2023

Safety

Snigdhaa Ritesh, a Lucknow-based social entrepreneur and former journalist, developed an integrated computer and mobile-aided emergency response platform called LAADLI to ensure women’s safety. The platform allows women to seek help without directly calling a helpline; instead, they can shake their mobile devices to trigger an alert.

The app records incidents and various types of crimes against women, providing real-time insights through data analytics to police agencies. This includes information such as crime types, crime times, victim age graphs, and identification of “Dark Spots” where crime rates are high. State governments can utilize this data to take corrective measures, such as installing CCTVs, increasing police patrolling, establishing women check posts, deploying anti-romeo squads, and improving street lighting.

Snigdhaa started working on LAADLI in 2014 and developed the comprehensive tech solution within three years. She then approached the Uttar Pradesh government to propose its adoption. Her aim was to address women’s safety issues, promote education and awareness, and empower women through the app. Her efforts and innovative solution gained recognition and accolades. LAADLI received praise from Amitabh Kant, CEO of Niti Aayog, and was selected as one of the top 100 social startups invited to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s program at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. These acknowledgments highlight the significance and potential impact of Snigdhaa’s work in championing women’s causes and promoting safety and empowerment.

Laadli stands out due to its unique features and comprehensive approach to women’s safety, awareness, and empowerment. Here are some key aspects that make Laadli distinct:

Three-Way Emergency Response Support System (ERSS): Laadli employs a specialized ERSS that ensures only genuine distress messages are forwarded to the police control room for immediate action. This system helps filter out false alarms and enables swift assistance for women in trouble.

Reduced Police Response Time: The app significantly reduces police response time to just five minutes by automatically sending the victim’s precise geo-location to the police. This feature ensures that help reaches the victim quickly and efficiently, enhancing their safety.

Shake-to-Alert Functionality: Instead of making a phone call, Laadli allows victims to trigger an alert by simply shaking their mobile devices. This quick and discreet method ensures that women can seek help without drawing attention to themselves in dangerous situations.

Crime Reporting and e-FIR: Women can report different types of crimes using the stamping feature in the app. Additionally, Laadli provides provisions for filing electronic First Information Reports (e-FIRs) and offers redirections to women laws and flagship programs, providing users with necessary information and resources.

Journey Route and Deviation Alerts: The app includes a feature where users can set their journey route when traveling in vehicles such as autos, Ola, or Uber. In case of any deviation from the route, the app automatically sends the user’s picture and location to their saved emergency contacts, ensuring added safety during travel.

Identifying Dark Spots: Laadli’s crime-data analytics capabilities enable state governments to identify “Dark Spots,” areas with high crime rates against women. This information helps authorities take corrective measures such as installing functioning CCTV cameras, improving means of transportation, establishing women check posts, deploying anti-romeo squads, and ensuring sufficient street lighting. These measures aim to reduce the overall crime rate against women and create safer environments.