It is not possible most 21st century citizens to spend a day without their smartphones today. This has enabled opportunities and threats like never before and in ways unimaginable. With no bar on age and geography, each netizen faces this urgent need to be aware and resilient to make the full use of technology while staying safe. To tackle issues, having security features and laws in place is of no use as long as citizens are unaware of how these are to be used to create a peaceful and safe environment online.

It has been found that cyber crimes and threats to women online are rising by the day, so that they are the prime targets of some sensitive crimes like revenge pornography and sextortion. Reasons causing this are not only economical, but also social and cultural, that prevent women from using the internet and issues like trolling that pop up when one uses it too often. With the development of a more advanced and digital age , it is of paramount importance to break this gender divide and create awareness among internet users, to help curb the threats and problems associated with the internet and its usage, and also pave a path to reap the benefits of these great technological advancements.

In this endeavour, Cyber Peace Foundation has partnered with the National Commission for Women (NCW) and Facebook to empower Indian women and make them digitally literate through the Digital Shakti Programme. It was launched on 18th June, 2018 at Punjab University in Chandigarh. The event was graced by Prof Kaptan Singh Solanki, Hon’ble Governor of Haryana.