Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DAC), Hyderabad, a scientific society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and Reliance Foundation, have announced the launch of e-SafeHER, a cyber security awareness training programme to enable one million women across rural India, to safely and confidently participate in the digital ecosystem.
This initiative is anchored under MeitY’s Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) programme through C-DAC Hyderabad, enabling content and training material for dissemination. Reliance Foundation will catalyse dissemination in rural communities across India, working in particular through women’s self-help groups (SHGs). This initiative is another step forward to strengthen digital inclusion for women. e-SafeHER aims to strengthen last mile cybersecurity awareness, particularly among women in rural India, who are increasingly engaging with digital platforms for financial transactions, livelihoods and access to essential services. The strategic collaboration between C-DAC, Hyderabad and Reliance Foundation on cybersecurity awareness involves structured training and community-based interventions.
Commenting on the launch, secretary MeitY, said “In an era where the government of India is pushing for capacity, collaboration and resilience to ensure that we reach across the length and breadth of the country towards a Cyber Secure Bharat, e-SafeHER is an exciting opportunity where we will bring together the curriculum and knowledge of MeitY’s Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) programme. Through C-DAC working together with Reliance Foundation, this initiative will enable women from the remotest rural regions to be safe, seen and empowered. We look forward to a model initiative that can be replicated and scaled up with like-minded partners across the country.”
Meanwhile, director, Reliance Foundation stated that rural women in India are coming online faster than ever, and underlined their commitment to not only accelerating women’s digital inclusion but also equipping them with the knowledge and skills to stay safe. “We are pleased to partner with the MeitY and C-DAC to provide cyber security awareness training through ‘e-SafeHER’ which aims to enable women to build skills and knowledge to stay safe online, as they utilise the power of digital to strengthen their lives and livelihoods. Through this initiative we aim to empower one million Cyber Sakhis in rural India over the next three years, helping them build safe online practices so they embrace the digital world with confidence”, she added.
C-DAC will lead the development, localisation and continuous enhancement of cybersecurity training content under the ISEA project, including multilingual adaptation. Reliance Foundation will leverage its grassroots presence and women’s empowerment platforms across rural India, for delivery through a peer-led, community-based model.
In a phased approach, beginning with training of Cyber Sakhis across Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, the initiative will scale to one million women by 2029 through multi-stakeholder partnerships. Designed for scale and sustainability, cybersecurity awareness is embedded into existing women’s empowerment and digital literacy programmes, ensuring continuity without parallel infrastructure. Localised content, audio-visual modules and blended learning approaches will enhance accessibility and engagement. e-safeHER will drive measurable behavioural outcomes, including improved cyber risk awareness, increased confidence in digital transactions and adoption of safe digital practices by participants. Insights from implementation will contribute to evidence-based scale-up and policy integration across the country.
