The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has partnered with Reliance Foundation and C-DAC Hyderabad to launch ‘e-SafeHER’, a nationwide cyber security awareness programme for women.
The initiative aims to empower one million women in rural India by promoting safe and confident use of digital platforms.
Objective of the Programme
Launched under the Information Security Education and Awareness Programme, e-SafeHER focuses on:
- Building digital confidence among women
- Promoting safe online practices
- Supporting secure use of digital platforms for financial transactions, livelihoods, and essential services
Community-Led Implementation Model
The programme will follow a grassroots, community-driven approach:
- Training will be delivered through self-help groups (SHGs)
- Local networks will play a key role in outreach
Roles of partners:
- C-DAC Hyderabad will develop and localise training content
- Reliance Foundation will handle on-ground implementation through its rural networks
Pilot and Expansion Plan
The programme will begin with pilot projects in:
- Madhya Pradesh
- Odisha
It will later expand across the country in a phased manner.
Accessible and Inclusive Learning Approach
To ensure wide reach and engagement, the programme will use:
- Multilingual content
- Audio-visual modules
- Blended learning formats
This approach will make learning easier and more accessible for rural women.
Focus on Long-Term Impact
The initiative is designed for sustainable impact by:
- Integrating with existing digital literacy and women empowerment programmes
- Avoiding the need for separate infrastructure
- Encouraging behavioural change, such as safer online practices and awareness of cyber risks
Conclusion
By combining policy support, technology, and grassroots outreach, e-SafeHER aims to bridge both the digital divide and the digital safety gap, ensuring that increased digital access is matched with strong cybersecurity awareness among women.