Giving Women Living and Working in Pakistan
Control Over their Public Safety
Context
Hafazat is the Urdu word for safety, it is a trustworthy mobile application that allows women living and working in Pakistan to have control over their own public safety. It builds a community and offers a secure experience while out alone.
Overview
Women face unique challenges when being out alone. They struggle to feel safe and protected in public and within urban communities. According to Gender Gap Report, Pakistan is one of the worst ranked nations for women. In such an environment, it might be helpful to create an app that solves problems for women commuting or being out by themselves, giving them a reliable companion.
According to research:
- 32 per cent of women have experienced physical violence in Pakistan and 40 per cent of ever-married women have suffered from spousal abuse at some point in their life (The Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2012-2013).
- The cases of violence against women and rape in Pakistan were doubled in the last six months of 2021 as compared to the first six months of the year.
- Almost 1 in 3 women have been subjected to intimate partner violence, non-partner violent crime, or both at least once in their life.
- 59% of women who ever walked down an alley way often feel unsafe doing so.
- 50% of women feel similar walking around alone at night.
- 71% avoided doing things they wanted to do because of their fear of victimization.
Research
To get to the root of the problem, we first needed to understand the users and what factors played a part in their struggles to feel safe and protected. I conducted interview to better understand painpoints around personal safety. We discussed how they felt about going in public alone, personal safety precautions, if they use anys safety devices and ways in which an app on the market can better serve their needs.
Users
Before embarking on the design process, our team delved deep into the behavioral patterns and purchasing data of our users. This thorough analysis was conducted with a singular focus: to unravel the fundamental motivations driving customers to interact with our product, a concept commonly referred to as the "job-to-be-done."
Sukaina, the University Student
Sadia is a 20-year-old university student living in Lahore, Pakistan. She commutes daily to her university, which is located in a busy part of the city.
Needs and Concerns
Sadia often feels unsafe when traveling alone, especially at night or in crowded areas. She wants a safety application that can provide her with immediate assistance in case of an emergency. Additionally, she wishes to share her location with her family and friends while commuting to ensure her safety.
Goals
Sadia seeks a women's safety app that offers features such as real-time location tracking, emergency SOS alerts, and access to helplines or nearby safe zones. She also values a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, especially during stressful situations.
Ayesha, the Working Professional
Ayesha is a 32-year-old working professional residing in Karachi, Pakistan. She works long hours and often travels for meetings and conferences across the city.
Needs and Concerns
Ayesha is concerned about her safety during her daily commutes and late-night travels for work-related events. She wants a safety application that can discreetly alert her trusted contacts or authorities in case she encounters any threatening situations.
Goals
Ayesha is looking for a women's safety app that offers features such as geofencing, where she can set safe zones and receive notifications when she enters or leaves those areas. She also desires a panic button feature that can be easily accessed from her smartphone's lock screen for quick response in emergencies.
Nadia, the Homemaker
Nadia is a 45-year-old homemaker living in Islamabad, Pakistan. She often accompanies her children to school, runs household errands, and attends community events.
Needs and Concerns
Nadia wants to ensure her and her family's safety while traveling around the city for various activities. She seeks a safety application that can provide her with reliable information about safe routes, nearby police stations, and emergency services.
Goals
Nadia is interested in a women's safety app that offers features such as community-based reporting, where users can share safety tips and incidents in their locality. She also values a feature that allows her to create a trusted network of neighbors and friends who can assist each other in times of need. Additionally, she desires access to informative resources on self-defense techniques and legal rights for women.
How Might We Statements
How Might We Help Sukaina feel safe when out alone?
How Might We Help Sukaina feel more supported and secure within her community?
How Might We make it easier for Sukaina to get an immediate response?
Solutions
0 1
SOS Button
The SOS button on the bottom navigation bar is the main feature. It allows help to reach to users in case of an emergency. It calls helpline numbers, shares location with contacts and records video.
0 2
Create Reports
Users can report positive and negative reports in real time of what happens on the street. These reports show up on the map in the form of exclamation marks (danger) and tick marks (safety) and the user can decipher for herself whether the area is safe or not.
0 3
Tracking System
Personalized tracking system allows you to control who sees your location, and you can see the location of added contacts as well on a map. People who are following you, the user's tribe is shown in a circle so that the user feels safe.
Prototypes
Outcome
Designing a women's safety application for women in Pakistan yielded several outcomes and learnings.
Designing for women in Pakistan highlighted the significance of localized solutions. Considering factors such as language preferences, cultural norms, and infrastructure limitations was crucial in making the application accessible and impactful.
Engaging with local communities, women's organizations, and stakeholders played a vital role in the design process. Collaborating with these groups helped gather valuable insights, build trust, and ensure the application aligned with the needs and preferences of its intended users.
Overall, designing a women's safety application for women in Pakistan resulted in valuable insights, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity, user engagement, and technology adaptation in addressing complex societal challenges.
