Empowering Women Against Cyber Threats
Dehradun, 13 December. In an effort to address the rising concerns of cybercrime and bolster women’s cybersecurity, PRAGATI organized a one-day conference on “Empowering Women Against Cyber Threats.” The event, supported by Women’s Fund Asia, Sri Lanka, witnessed the active participation of over 55 women from 6 blocks of Dehradun district.
The conference, inaugurated by the chief guest Ms. Ravindri Mandrawal, MCUD, aimed to shed light on the multifaceted landscape of cybercrime, with a specific focus on its impact on women. Esteemed speakers, including Mr. Rajesh Dhyani, Sub-Inspector, Cyber Crime Police Station, Dehradun, and Ms. Mamta from the Child Rights Commission, shared insights on various aspects of cyber threats.
Mr. Dhyani elucidated on the types and trends of cybercrimes, vulnerabilities faced by women in the cyber world, and preventive measures and security protocols. He also provided valuable information on reporting procedures and shared relevant helpline numbers.
Ms. Mamta discussed the critical issue of child pornography and crimes against children, emphasizing the relevance of the POSCO Act. Ms. Ravindri highlighted the pivotal role women play in combating cybercrimes. Additionally, the representative from DLSA, Dehradun, shared insights on free legal aid available to victims.
Local elected representatives, including Ms. Vimla Guar, Meera Kathayat, Nandini, and Neelam Negi, found the conference highly informative. They pledged to disseminate awareness in their respective wards through school meetings, Anganwadis, and other community forums.
Vice- Chairperson Ms. Josphin told the women that in In the contemporary era, cybercrime has emerged as a major threat, utilizing technology to compromise data security and infringe upon individual privacy. The conference aimed to address this concern, with a specific focus on women who often become vulnerable targets. Cybercrimes, including hacking, identity theft, and unauthorized access, pose significant challenges globally.
Addressing cybercrime necessitates promoting cyber literacy, starting with foundational knowledge and operating practices. Vigilance in online safety, safeguarding personal information, and staying informed about cyber laws are essential measures to combat this novel technological threat.
PRAGATI’s Initiative: In response to escalating cyber threats against women, PRAGATI organized this conference to provide a platform for women to articulate their challenges in the cyber world. The initiative aimed to develop a comprehensive document outlining strategies for preventing all forms of cybercrime against women and amplifying the voices of women from the unorganized sector.
The conference marks a significant step in fostering awareness, initiating discussions, and formulating actionable strategies to combat cybercrimes against women. PRAGATI remains committed to empowering women against cyber threats and ensuring a safer virtual space for all.