Understanding the Role of Technology-mediated Solutions for Women’s Safety in Urban India

Abstract

Women’s safety in public spaces has become a prime concern in India. Much of the academic and non-academic efforts have focused on developing technology-mediated solutions such as mobile apps and helplines for combating harassment experiences. However, there is an acute understanding of women’s perceptions and desires around these technological solutions. In this work, we investigate women’s perceptions around technological interventions dedicated to safety, the nature of support they seek from technology, and the characteristics they desire technology to embody to offer support. We draw on interviews with women across urban areas of India, demonstrating how they currently navigate unsafe experiences and also unpack their desires around technological solutions encompassing precautionary, reactionary, and healing support for navigating public spaces in the future. Finally, we conclude with implications focusing on the need for embedded technological solutions and going beyond victim-centric approaches to design technology for safety.