Women

Women and girls in industrial countries may have ready access to inexpensive menstrual pads, but such is not always the case in developing nations. That may soon change, however, thanks to the sisal plant.

It's no secret that finding a comfortably fitting bra can be difficult, often requiring multiple attempts. That's where the Braave system comes in, as it uses 3D printing and scanning technology to produce client-specific custom-fit "Fusion Bras."

A rare 175 year-old book containing the world's first computer algorithm by Ada Lovelace – mathematician and daughter of Lord Byron – has been sold at auction in England for £95,000 (US$125,000).

Pelvic floor exercises – often known as Kegels – have important benefits for women, but they're not very fun. You may have heard of the Perifit, the company that hopes to change that. Its Perifit S device currently has just over a month left in its Kickstarter campaign.

The Leoht Tote could put an end to rummaging in the depths of your handbag for your phone, only to discover the battery is almost dead. Dubbed "the evolution of the handbag" it comes with in-built lithium ion battery and LED lighting, two USB ports and wireless recharging – and it looks good, too.

Almost one in five women avoid exercise because of breast-related problems such as pain, breast bounce and not being able to find the right sports bra. The Bionic Bra, which quickly adjusts to breast movement, providing more - or less - support as required, should provide welcome relief.

Omate’s latest smartwatch rides the circular display wave of the LG G Watch R and Moto 360, but offers a design aimed specifically at women. Compatible with both iOS and Android, the new wearable is fashion accessory first, smartwatch second.

In one of the more absurd examples of wearable technology we've seen lately, a Japanese firm has created a high-tech bra called the True Love Tester that literally snaps open only when it senses that the woman is in love.

Casio has announced a selection of new cameras which were designed to appeal to women.

The US Army is preparing to test a new body armor tailored to fit female soldiers.

The Fits.me virtual fitting room is an online changing room where you enter your sizing statistics and a robotic mannequin models how various sizes will look on your torso - now it's available for women too.

Girls rejoice! Salvation has arrived in the form of biodegradable ballet flats dispensed from venue vending machines as an antidote to the agony of wearing heels on a Big Night Out.