THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Oct 26: Deepika Pandey Singh, Jharkhand Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, represented India at the Advancing Feminist Political Leadership and Securing Peace conference held in Lucerne, Switzerland, on October 24–25.
The event brought together women leaders and delegates from 47 countries to strengthen women’s political leadership, promote gender equality, and address digital and social challenges in an increasingly connected world.
Championing Women’s Digital Safety
Delivering a keynote address on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence, Deepika underscored the growing global threat of online abuse against women.
She noted that while digital platforms were once a source of empowerment and expression, they are now often misused for harassment and intimidation.
“Online gender-based violence is not just an issue of personal safety,” she said. “It is a serious challenge that threatens women’s dignity and their equal participation in democracy.”
Citing national data, she shared that in 2022, 85% of Indian women experienced some form of online harassment, and 54% were victims of technology-based violence. The psychological toll is severe, with 65% reporting negative mental health effects, yet only 30% of women report such incidents, reflecting a lack of trust and adequate protection.
A Three-Pillar Strategy for Safer Digital Spaces
Deepika Pandey Singh, Jharkhand Minister, presented a three-pillar strategy to counter online gender-based violence:
Education: Enhance digital literacy and online safety awareness through local-language training and digital security programmes at the school and panchayat levels.
Accountability: Strengthen legal frameworks, ensure platform accountability, and enhance gender-sensitisation for police and cybercrime units.
Empowerment: Include women in policymaking and leadership, engage men and boys as partners in change, and expand awareness campaigns such as CTRL+SHIFT+RESPECT.
India’s Global Role in Promoting Women’s Safety
She highlighted India’s active role in international efforts to tackle online violence, working with organisations including UNFPA, IPU, and global coalitions committed to digital rights and safety.
Initiatives such as the 16 Days of Activism campaign, she said, reflect global unity in advancing women’s rights and online security.
“Parliaments and policymakers must recognise that online attacks on women—especially women representatives—are an attack on democracy itself,” she added. “Only when women are safe can they lead fearlessly and contribute fully to society.”
A Strong Voice for Equality and Empowerment
Representing India on the world stage, Deepika Pandey Singh, Jharkhand Minister, emphasised that women’s online safety is not just about individual protection but about defending democracy, equality, and human dignity.
