Cyber Guardians of Sikkim keep Women and Children safe online
Every day, India’s digital landscape is growing by leaps and bounds - bringing opportunity, connection, and unfortunately, also rising threats. As technology becomes woven into daily life, cyber-violence has equally surged, especially against young women and children. India has seen a 91% rise in cyberstalking, 148% increase in revenge porn, and widespread online bullying.
As the world celebrates International Day of Universal Access to Information on September 28, India Development Service is proud to partner with Ahaan Foundation’s Responsible Netism initiative, a powerful movement ensuring that young people not only navigate the internet—but navigate safely within it.
For over a decade, Responsible Netism has been a national leader in cyber-wellness, supporting 1.8 million children, 1 million adults, and 45,000 cases of online distress since its inception. Their mission is simple yet urgent: empower communities to coexist with technology while protecting mental well-being and preventing online exploitation. This is a critical need because women and young girls are most vulnerable to technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Being a border state, Sikkim cyber crime has been rampant, without young girls and children realizing that they are falling prey to online bullying and exploitation.
This year, IDS is supporting two transformative programs in Sikkim:
Cyber Sakhi trains 16-25 year old college girls to become first responders. These become local champions equipped to identify, prevent, and support survivors of tech-facilitated gender-based violence.
Being Responsible Netizens introduces 10-15 year old children to cyber safety, helping them recognize threats, make safer choices, and build digital confidence. It is alarming that 70% of children have experienced cyber threat, yet only 20% are aware of how to respond.
By nurturing cyber-aware youth and empowering young women as digital first responders, Ahaan Foundation is planting seeds of resilience, safety, and hope— ensuring communities in Sikkim can embrace technology without fear.
Your generosity and donations are making this vital work possible. Together, we are building a future where every child and woman can learn, connect, and grow— securely and confidently—in the digital world.