The e-SafeHER initiative has been launched as a large-scale cybersecurity training programme to empower women in rural India. It is a collaborative effort between C-DAC Hyderabad, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and Reliance Foundation.
The programme aims to train one million women across rural India, focusing on safe participation in the digital ecosystem as women increasingly engage in digital payments, livelihoods, and online services. It is implemented under the Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) Programme.
About e-SafeHER Initiative
The e-SafeHER Programme is a cybersecurity awareness and capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening last-mile digital safety for rural women. It seeks to ensure that women are not only digitally connected but also digitally secure.
It specifically addresses the growing risks of financial fraud, identity theft, and cyber vulnerabilities faced by women in rural areas.
Aim and Objectives
- To empower one million rural women by 2029 to safely participate in the digital ecosystem
- To enhance cybersecurity awareness in digital financial transactions and online livelihoods
- To develop a gender-responsive and sustainable cyber safety model
- To promote safe digital inclusion at the grassroots level
Key Features
Cyber Sakhi Model
- Creation of “Cyber Sakhis” – trained women acting as community-level cyber awareness leaders
- They promote safe digital practices, online transaction security, and cyber hygiene
Community-Based Approach
- Peer-led implementation through Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
- Focus on last-mile outreach and trust-based learning
Target & Timeline
- Coverage: 1 million women
- Duration: 3 years (till 2029)
- Initial rollout in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, followed by nationwide expansion
Implementation Strategy
- C-DAC Hyderabad
- Develops and updates cybersecurity training content
- Ensures localization and technical accuracy under ISEA
- Reliance Foundation
- Executes grassroots implementation
- Leverages its network for community-based delivery
Significance
- Strengthens cyber risk awareness among rural women
- Promotes safe digital transactions and financial inclusion
- Builds confidence in using digital platforms for livelihoods and micro-enterprises
- Integrates cybersecurity into existing women empowerment and digital literacy programmes
- Contributes to the vision of “Cyber Secure Bharat”
About Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) Programme
- Initiative of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
- Launched in 2005; currently in Phase III (since October 2023)
- Objective:
- Develop human resources in information security
- Promote cyber hygiene and awareness among citizens
- Focus: Creating a safe, secure, and trusted cyberspace in India