The entrepreneur who has designed a hand grenade to carry in the bag against harassers
Julieta Rueff, a young entrepreneur, has created FlamAid, a personal safety device resembling a hand grenade to alert contacts and emit a loud sound in case of harassment.
Julieta Rueff's journey began in 2022 when she faced severe harassment while studying at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona. Her experiences of being stalked and intimidated led her to create a personal safety device, FlamAid, designed to aid individuals in distress. The device, shaped like a hand grenade and the size of a keychain, produces a loud sound to draw attention and alerts designated contacts in emergencies.
FlamAid has gained significant traction in the market, with Rueff reporting sales of 200,000 euros in its first year. The concept behind FlamAid was born out of Rueff’s personal experience with harassment, where she felt powerless to defend herself with traditional methods like pepper spray due to the panic and fear she experienced. The usability of FlamAid aims to bridge this gap, providing a straightforward and effective means of seeking help.
The success of this innovation highlights the urgent need for personal safety solutions in a climate where harassment is prevalent. Rueff's story not only emphasizes the potential for entrepreneurship to stem from personal challenges but also raises awareness about the importance of addressing harassment through practical, accessible technologies. By targeting a specific issue, FlamAid presents a proactive approach to women's safety, hoping to empower individuals to take charge in alarming situations.