Women’s Safety In The Digital And Social Era

Summary of the Event

The Department of Commerce, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram, organized a Guest Lecture on “Women’s Safety in the Digital and Social Era” on 12th January 2026 at Gallery Hall 1. The session was conducted from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM.

The distinguished resource person was Dr. R. C. Sripriya, Headmistress, Government Model Higher Secondary School, Arumbakkam, Chennai, who shared her professional knowledge, practical experiences, and insights on the importance of women’s safety in today’s rapidly evolving digital and social environment.

The primary objective of the session was to create awareness among students about personal safety in the digital era by focusing on cyber security awareness, safe usage of digital platforms, legal compliance, and preventive strategies to ensure protection against online harassment and cybercrimes. The lecture aligned with the department’s vision of imparting knowledge that connects academic learning with real-life social responsibilities and safety practices.

Dr. Sripriya emphasized how increasing digital connectivity, social media usage, and online interactions have created new safety challenges for women. She explained the importance of cyber awareness, digital ethics, privacy protection, and understanding legal provisions related to cybercrimes and women’s rights. She also highlighted the role of education, awareness, and timely reporting in preventing digital and social exploitation. Real-life case discussions helped students understand how to respond effectively to unsafe situations.

The session was highly interactive, with students actively participating in discussions and raising queries related to digital safety challenges. Activities such as scenario-based discussions and question-and-answer interactions helped students develop awareness, confidence, and practical decision-making skills.

This event not only strengthened students’ awareness and social responsibility but also prepared them to face real-world digital and social challenges. The session directly connected to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by promoting safe digital participation, inclusive technological access, ethical online practices, legal awareness, strong institutional protection systems, and collaborative efforts among educational institutions, government bodies, and social organizations to ensure women’s safety in the digital and social era.

Outcome of the Program

SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
Women’s safety in digital and social spaces promotes equal access to education, employment, and professional growth. Safe online environments enable women to participate in digital learning, entrepreneurship, and remote work opportunities. Cyber safety awareness helps prevent online harassment that may impact career confidence and productivity. Secure digital workplaces support inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Empowering women with digital safety knowledge contributes to workforce participation, financial independence, and overall economic development.

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Women’s digital safety is essential for building secure and inclusive technological infrastructure. Safe digital environments encourage women to actively participate in technology, research, and innovation sectors. Cyber security awareness increases trust in digital systems, online services, and digital communication platforms. Promoting safe access to digital tools helps reduce the gender digital divide. Strengthening digital protection mechanisms supports sustainable technological advancement and ensures equal opportunities for women in emerging technology-driven industries.

SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Ensuring women’s safety in digital spaces supports  protection of fundamental rights and access to justice. Awareness about cyber laws empowers women to identify, report, and respond to online crimes. Strong legal systems and institutional support help prevent cyber harassment, exploitation, and digital abuse. Promoting ethical online behavior contributes to safer and peaceful digital communities. Effective governance and enforcement mechanisms help build trust in institutions and ensure safe digital and social environments.

SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
Women’s digital safety requires strong collaboration between educational institutions, government bodies, technology companies, and social organizations. Partnerships help create awareness programs on cyber safety, digital literacy, and legal rights. Joint initiatives support training, safety campaigns, and support services for women. Collaboration with law enforcement strengthens response systems to digital crimes. Collective efforts help build a secure, inclusive, and supportive digital ecosystem that promotes women’s safety and empowerment.