Reliance Foundation and C-DAC, Hyderabad, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), have launched e-SafeHER, a cyber security awareness programme aimed at empowering one million rural women to safely navigate the digital world.
The initiative is part of MeitY’s Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) programme, with C-DAC developing training content and Reliance Foundation leading its outreach through women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across rural India. The programme focuses on enhancing last-mile cybersecurity awareness among women who are increasingly using digital platforms for financial transactions, livelihoods, and essential services.
The collaboration will deliver structured training and community-based learning. MeitY Secretary S Krishnan said the initiative supports the vision of a “Cyber Secure Bharat” by equipping women in remote areas with essential digital safety skills. Reliance Foundation Director Isha Ambani highlighted the organisation’s commitment to not only expanding digital access for women but also ensuring they are equipped to stay safe online.
C-DAC will handle the development and localisation of multilingual training content under the ISEA project, while Reliance Foundation will implement the programme through its grassroots network using a peer-led approach.The rollout will begin in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, with plans to scale up to one million women by 2029 through partnerships. The programme integrates cybersecurity awareness into existing women’s empowerment and digital literacy efforts, using audio-visual tools and blended learning methods to improve accessibility and engagement.
e-SafeHER aims to bring measurable outcomes such as improved awareness of cyber risks, greater confidence in digital transactions, and adoption of safe online practices. Insights from the programme will also support policy development and expansion.
Through this initiative, Reliance Foundation aims to strengthen women’s digital inclusion by creating a secure and supportive environment for their growing participation in the digital ecosystem.