empowHer

empowHer is a smart home training system designed for women to practice self-defense, created from the desire to address not only potential threats, but also the fear and heightened alertness that often accompany women in public spaces. The system allows users to practice basic self-defense movements at home, independently, repeatedly, and progressively. It consists of an interactive training bag that attaches to a doorframe and a companion app, through which the user selects a workout and difficulty level. During training, illuminated target zones on the bag guide the user on where and when to strike. Sensors detect the location of each impact and measure its force, while the app provides feedback and tracks progress over time. Through repeated practice, feedback, and recognition of success, the system aims to strengthen the user’s sense of self-efficacy and add, alongside fear, the confidence of knowing: “I know what to do.”