It’s never a safe world out there for women and children. While laws have been implemented to protect them, there are still people (mostly men) who would still go the extra mile to perform uncivilized acts such as rape. Unfortunately, sexual attacks are common in several countries around the world. Either victims are too afraid to report the attacks in fear of their safety or cases are dismissed (because let’s face it, the world is still full of misogynists who protect other misogynists).
In South Africa, many women have fears of being attacked. Rape is common in the country, having one of the highest rape rates in the world. In an attempt to give rapists a threat in doing so, this doctor has developed a female condom that will surely give the rapist the most horrible experience if they commit the crime.
This female condom is laced with sharp tooth-like hooks that will stick to the penis once it penetrates inside. Sonnet Ethlers designed it to be worn just like a tampon and calls it the Rape-aXe. This doctor is very dedicated in stopping the crime to the point that she sold her house and car to develop this invention. Ethlers had enough of knowing women out there suffer after seeing a rape victim who asked for her help decades ago. She had consulted gynecologists, engineers and psychologists to check if the condom will be safe for women.
Source: Rape aXe
Source: Rape aXe
When asked about the effects of the condom on the attacker, she said, “It hurts, he cannot pee and walk when it’s on. If he tries to remove it, it will clasp even tighter… however, it doesn’t break the skin, and there’s no danger of fluid exposure.” She said only doctors can remove it. She encouraged women to wear the female condom when one goes out on a blind date or when going to places one is not comfortable with.
The device was accused of being a most medieval device in which Ethlers responded in her product’s website:
“a medieval deed deserves a medieval consequence. It’s the twenty first century, man has supposedly evolved into a more civilised being… yet rape statistics are on the rise! Child and infant rape has increased 400% over the last decade!”
Another criticism she has responded to was the one from Victoria Kaija from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Uganda. Kaija thought the condom was a form of enslavement to women. Ethlers also responded through her website:
“My aim with the device is to empower women and promote gender equality. If men can use their bodies – their manhood, as a weapon of attack – well then it’s time for women to do the same!”
The mother of two even went to prisons to discuss the condom with convicted rapists. When she asked them if this condom would have made them have second thoughts of doing the crime, some responded they would.
Source: Rape aXe
Source: Rape aXe
As of the moment, the condom is still not available for purchase. According to Rape aXe’s website, there is not enough funding to finalize the final prototype. For more details about Rape aXe, visit its Facebook page.
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