Teen’s safety earring tackles SA’s GBV crisis head-on
At just 16, Bohlale Mphahlele created a discreet safety device to fight gender-based violence. Today, she's an innovator and mentor.
A 16-year-old Limpopo schoolgirl is changing the safety game in South Africa with a focus on the country’s gender-based violence crisis.
Bohlale Mphahlele’s story from 5 years ago has gone viral, yet again, with a hearty reason behind it.
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While most teens her age focused solely on their academic career, Mphahlele divided her time to create a device that would save lives.
Five years ago, the teenager looked at the alarming gender-based violence and human trafficking statistics.
Mphahele worked hard to create the ‘Alerting Earpiece’. A wearable safety device that can be worn like an earring. Wearers who find themselves in a dangerous situation can alert pre-set contacts by pressing a hidden button.
In addition, the device takes a photo of the assailant while taking the victim’s exact location to share it with their contacts. This all happens in real time, from an earring!
According to Good Things Guy, Mphahelele explained that her aim was to design a device that was not just speedy but would aid people in a crisis without sounding an alarm.
Where Is She Now?
After finishing high school, Bohlale Mphahlele began turning her vision into reality. She launched her own company, Mphahlele Alerts (Pty) Ltd, to develop the Alerting Earpiece into a functional product.
Alongside her entrepreneurial efforts, she’s been studying towards a degree in Information Technology, equipping herself with the tools to make an even bigger impact. She also joined an innovation programme that champions young women creating solutions for their communities.
She’s paying it forward too. Mphahlele mentors young girls in tech.
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