Under its Advocacy & Policy Initiative, FLO Kolkata conducted the Cybercrime Awareness & Digital Safety Session for community women associated with the Bansberia Skilling Centre, Kolkata. The virtual session focused on strengthening women’s awareness of their digital rights, legal protections, and available mechanisms for seeking redressal against cybercrime. As women increasingly participate in digital spaces for communication, financial transactions, education and access to opportunities, understanding the risks associated with the online world has become an important aspect of empowerment.
The session sought to familiarise participants with common forms of cybercrime affecting women, including online harassment, cyberstalking, identity theft, financial fraud and image-based abuse. A key objective was to ensure that women understand that they have the right to seek protection and legal support when they encounter cybercrime.
The programme therefore focused on creating awareness around the importance of timely reporting and introducing participants to available avenues for redressal, including cyber helplines, online reporting portals and police support. The session promoted responsible and safe digital practices, encouraging women to protect personal information, secure online accounts and remain alert to potential cyber fraud.
As digital platforms increasingly become integral to everyday life, women are using technology for communication, financial transactions, education and access to opportunities. Alongside these opportunities, however, there is a growing need for greater awareness of online risks and the rights available to individuals facing cyber abuse or fraud. Beyond awareness, the intervention sought to build confidence. Women were reminded that they do not have to navigate instances of cyber abuse or fraud alone and that legal protection and support mechanisms are available.
Key Takeaways
- Digital empowerment must be accompanied by awareness of rights, safety and access to redressal, particularly as women increasingly engage with online platforms.
- 80 community women gained awareness of common cybercrimes, including online harassment, cyberstalking, identity theft, financial fraud and image-based abuse.
- The session strengthened understanding of the importance of recognising cybercrime and taking timely action rather than remaining silent or uncertain.
- Participants were made aware of their legal rights and protections when facing cybercrime and online abuse.
- Women were introduced to available avenues for seeking assistance, including cyber helplines, online reporting portals and police support.
- The programme reinforced the importance of timely reporting, which can support quicker action and appropriate intervention.
- Participants were encouraged to adopt safer digital practices, including protecting personal information and securing online accounts.
- Awareness around financial fraud and other forms of digital deception encouraged women to exercise greater caution while engaging in online transactions.
- The session reinforced that women facing cybercrime have access to legal protection, institutional support and mechanisms for redressal.
- The intervention demonstrated how legal awareness and advocacy at the grassroots level can strengthen women’s confidence to participate in digital spaces while being better informed about their rights and avenues for protection.
Impact & Outcome
The Cybercrime Awareness Session reached 80 community women and was designed to strengthen awareness around cybercrime, digital rights, legal protection, and the mechanisms available for seeking support and redressal. The session reinforced the Chapter’s commitment to ensuring that women are equipped not only with access to digital platforms, but also with the knowledge of their rights and the confidence to seek protection and redressal when required.
FLO Kolkata sought to strengthen women’s ability to navigate digital spaces with greater knowledge and confidence. The initiative reinforced the principle that digital empowerment must be accompanied by awareness, safety and access to justice.