AHMEDABAD: As nationwide protests are ramping up after gang rapes, some grassroots innovators from remote villages of the country are quietly coming up with anti-rape gadgets, unique accessories and innovative clothing to deter assaults. These innovators, mostly women, have designed the futuristic innovations in such a way that women can wear them as fashion accessories . The ideas behind these innovations have been documented by the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) and SRISTI , a non-government organisation headed by IIM Ahmedabad professor Anil Gupta. "These innovators are thinking for society and not for commercial benefit. Their technology might help our nation to come out of problems in such tough times," said Dr Vipin Kumar, director and chief innovation officer at NIF.

After the Nirbhaya rape incident in December 2012, several innovative students had initiated unique ideas for self-defense to protect women from domestic, workplace and social harassment.

Bangles with needles

Umrah Hussain from Kulgam in Jammu & Kashmir has created bangles with decorative needles on them. The needles come out when a button is pressed, thus giving women time to escape while they prick the attacker.

Bracelet with pepper spray

Pepper spray, a common self-defense spray has been moulded into a bracelet by Mansi Priya from Ranchi in Jharkhand. The innovation has been developed around the thought that a bracelet with pepper spray will help women better during crisis as compared to the original pepper spray, which takes time to be taken out of a bag.

Undergarments with camera, GPS

This is an undergarment developed by Bihar-based Mamta Kumari. It has a camera along with GSM and GPS installed. The camera will have the ability take the photo of the culprit and send it across to preset numbers.

Shock watch

Many women innovators have developed wristwatches as an anti-molestation device. For instance, 35-year-old Sheshmani Maurya from Uttar Pradesh has created a watch-like device which can be worn on the knee or elbow. The device gives an electric shock when hit against another person.

An all-rounder watch

Another innovator, Divyanshu Singh from Punjab has created a watch with an in-built blood pressure sensor that monitors any increase in blood pressure. In case of an increase, a built-in camera starts within five seconds and after another five seconds, the device informs the nearest police station that the wearer is in trouble. After yet another five seconds, the device sprays a liquid to allow the victim to escape.

Chilli-spraying watch

Similarly, Shrishti Sonam from Bihar has made a watch with a strong focus light, and a liquid irritant to buy time for the victim. Simran Kumari from Jharkhand has developed a watch with position locator, chilli spray and a system that can send a message to the victim's family and the police station at the same time.