In 2020, while most of her peers were navigating the typical challenges of high school life, Bohlale, a Grade 11 learner, was consumed by something far more urgent — the alarming rise in gender-based violence and human trafficking in her community. The grim statistics haunted her, but instead of being overwhelmed, she was stirred into action. She kept asking herself one question: What can I do to help? That question ignited a spark that would lead her to design a solution grounded in empathy, courage, and brilliant innovation.
Determined to make safety more accessible for women and girls, Bohlale conceptualized the “Alerting Earpiece” — a wearable device that looks like a simple earring but hides powerful safety features. Blending fashion with function, the earpiece includes a hidden button that, when pressed in an emergency, discreetly sends an alert to a list of pre-programmed contacts. But Bohlale didn’t stop there. She equipped the device with a micro-camera that snaps a photo of the attacker and a GPS tracker that sends the wearer’s real-time location. All of this happens in seconds, giving the victim a fighting chance without drawing attention.
What makes Bohlale’s invention extraordinary isn’t just the tech — it’s the heart behind it. She knew that in many situations of abuse or assault, victims don’t have time to reach for a phone or scream for help. By creating something wearable and discreet, she eliminated that barrier. Her solution doesn’t just react to danger; it anticipates it — quietly protecting and potentially saving lives.
Word of the “Alerting Earpiece” quickly spread, and Bohlale was soon recognized not only as a young inventor but as a bold changemaker. Her work was praised by activists, educators, and tech leaders alike. Schools, NGOs, and safety organizations began to show interest in supporting the distribution and development of the device, and her story became a beacon for youth empowerment and grassroots innovation. For many, she proved that age doesn’t limit impact — and that courage often wears the face of a determined teenager.
Today, Bohlale continues to refine her design and explore ways to expand its accessibility, especially to those in vulnerable communities. Her journey is a powerful reminder that even in the face of massive societal issues, one idea — fueled by compassion and action — can ripple into something truly transformative. Through a single earpiece, Bohlale has amplified the voices of the silenced and shown the world what’s possible when innovation meets purpose.
