FLO Kolkata, under the leadership of Chairperson Ms. Mansi Agarwal, hosted an engaging and practical learning session, covering topics such as Digital Literacy, Computer Education & AI Awareness. Held at FLO Skilling Centre- Apni Kutir, Chetla, the session equipped women from grassroots communities with essential digital competencies required to participate confidently in an increasingly technology-driven world. Recognising that digital exclusion continues to limit access to education, livelihood opportunities, communication and essential services, the initiative sought to create an accessible pathway towards technological confidence and self-reliance.
Through structured learning, women were familiarised with the basic use of computers, digital tools and technology-enabled platforms, enabling them to gradually overcome hesitation and develop greater comfort in navigating the digital environment. The initiative also introduced participants to the evolving world of Artificial Intelligence, creating awareness about how emerging technologies are increasingly influencing workplaces, entrepreneurship, education and daily life.
Ms. Rijiya Sultana, a Kolkata-based trainer in Digital Literacy and Artificial Intelligence, led this engaging and practical learning session for the participants. Her interactive approach encouraged participants to move beyond apprehension towards greater digital confidence and technological curiosity. The initiative recognised that digital literacy has become fundamental to personal independence, employability and economic participation.
Key Takeaways
- Strengthened foundational computer literacy among women from grassroots communities.
- Familiarised participants with the basic use of computers and essential digital tools.
- Reduced hesitation and built confidence in navigating technology independently.
- Introduced women to the evolving relevance and applications of Artificial Intelligence.
- Created awareness of how AI is influencing education, workplaces, entrepreneurship, and everyday life.
- Connected digital skills with employability, learning and future livelihood opportunities.
- Encouraged participants to embrace technology as a tool for independence and personal advancement.
- Helped bridge the digital divide affecting women from underserved communities.
- Integrated traditional vocational skilling with future-ready technological competencies.
- Reinforced FLO Kolkata’s commitment to inclusive digital empowerment and future preparedness.
Impact & Outcome
Around 150 community women received digital literacy and computer education support during the first quarter. Through sustained engagement across the first quarter, the initiative strengthened the foundations of digital confidence among community women and encouraged them to view technology as an accessible tool for learning, livelihood development and personal advancement.
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.