THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, APRIL 13, 2026

Reliance Foundation, in collaboration with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has launched e-SafeHER, a nationwide cybersecurity awareness training programme aimed at empowering one million women across rural India to participate safely and confidently in the digital ecosystem.

The initiative is anchored under MeitY’s Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) programme and will be implemented through C-DAC Hyderabad, which will develop and provide training content. Reliance Foundation will spearhead grassroots outreach and dissemination, particularly through women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), strengthening digital inclusion at the last mile.

e-SafeHER seeks to address the growing need for cybersecurity awareness among rural women, who are increasingly using digital platforms for financial transactions, livelihoods, and access to essential services. The programme will deploy structured training and community-based interventions to build awareness and resilience against cyber risks.

Speaking at the launch, S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, said, “In an era where the Government of India is focused on capacity, collaboration, and resilience to achieve a ‘Cyber Secure Bharat’, e-SafeHER presents a valuable opportunity. By combining the curriculum and knowledge base of the ISEA programme with the outreach of Reliance Foundation, this initiative will empower women in even the remotest regions to be safe, visible, and digitally confident. We hope this becomes a scalable model for wider adoption across the country.”

Isha Ambani, Director, Reliance Foundation, highlighted the importance of safe digital access for women. “Rural women in India are coming online faster than ever. Our commitment goes beyond enabling access—we aim to equip women with the skills to stay safe online. Through e-SafeHER, we seek to empower one million ‘Cyber Sakhis’ over the next three years, helping them adopt secure digital practices and leverage technology to improve their lives and livelihoods,” she said.

Under the initiative, C-DAC will lead the development, localisation, and continuous enhancement of cybersecurity training content, including multilingual modules. Reliance Foundation will leverage its extensive grassroots network to deliver training through a peer-led, community-based model.

The programme will be rolled out in phases, beginning with the training of Cyber Sakhis in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, before scaling up to reach one million women by 2029 through multi-stakeholder partnerships. Designed for sustainability, the initiative will be integrated into existing women’s empowerment and digital literacy programmes, avoiding the need for parallel infrastructure.

With a focus on measurable outcomes, e-SafeHER aims to enhance awareness of cyber risks, boost confidence in digital transactions, and promote safe online practices among participants. Insights from its implementation are expected to inform policy integration and large-scale replication across India.

Through the combined strengths of MeitY’s national cybersecurity framework, C-DAC’s technical expertise, and Reliance Foundation’s community-driven approach, e-SafeHER aspires to ensure that rural women are not only digitally included but also digitally secure — paving the way for a safer and more inclusive digital India.