National Commission for Women and Truecaller Unite to Enhance Women's Digital Safety Across India
In a significant move to bolster women's security in the digital realm, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has forged a strategic partnership with Truecaller, the global leader in Caller ID and spam blocking services. This collaboration was officially unveiled at a ceremony held at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi, marking the launch of a comprehensive Women's Digital Safety Awareness Initiative aimed at addressing the growing challenges women face online.
Framework for Coordinated Action and Awareness
The partnership establishes a robust framework for coordinated efforts to raise awareness about evolving digital risks, such as spam, phishing, impersonation, harassment, and financial fraud. A key component of this initiative is the introduction of an interactive digital safety resource titled "TrueCyberSakhi: A Digital Safety Toolkit, Created for Her." This toolkit is meticulously designed to empower women and the broader public with practical knowledge, enabling safer and more confident participation in digital spaces.
The toolkit features engaging interactive modules, including quizzes and self-assessment tools, along with simplified explanations of critical digital safety concerns. It provides actionable guidance, structured best practices, and practical do's and don'ts to foster safer communication habits. Importantly, it highlights the NCW's 24x7 helpline, offering clear instructions on when and how women can seek institutional support and access redressal mechanisms in cases of digital harm.
Verification of Helpline and Enhanced Trust
To further strengthen this initiative, Truecaller has verified the NCW's 24x7 helpline number on its Government Directory Service (GDS). This verification enhances the trust, authenticity, and visibility of the official support channel nationwide. By ensuring citizens can confidently identify the authenticated helpline, it reduces risks of impersonation or fraud and guarantees timely access to support through a verified government contact point.
The initiative is bolstered by a coordinated digital and social media awareness campaign to amplify key messages around women's online safety, responsible digital participation, and access to redressal mechanisms. This multi-faceted approach aims to reach women across India, particularly in urban and rural areas, to promote a safer digital ecosystem.
Statements from Leadership
At the launch event, Smt. Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, emphasized the commission's commitment to ensuring women's safe and confident digital participation. She stated, "This collaboration with Truecaller will enable us to reach women across the country with practical guidance on recognising and responding to online threats, while strengthening awareness of the NCW 24x7 helpline as a trusted support channel. This initiative reaffirms our resolve to address the evolving challenges faced by women in the digital age."
Mr. Rishit Jhunjhunwala, Chief Executive Officer of Truecaller, highlighted the foundational role of safety in digital communication. He remarked, "Safety in digital communication is foundational to enabling women's full and confident participation in the digital economy. Through this partnership, we aim to make official support channels more visible, accessible, and easy to navigate for women across the country, contributing to a safer and more trusted digital ecosystem."
Background on the Organizations
The National Commission for Women is an autonomous statutory body established under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. Its mandate includes protecting and promoting women's rights by reviewing safeguards, recommending legal reforms, addressing complaints, promoting awareness, and advising the Government on policy matters affecting women.
Truecaller, with over 350 million users in India and 450 million globally, is renowned for its Caller ID and spam blocking capabilities. The company has undertaken various safety initiatives to foster trust and safety in digital communication, collaborating with law enforcement agencies, government institutions, and industry partners to combat digital fraud.
This partnership represents a proactive step towards creating a more secure online environment for women, leveraging technology and institutional support to mitigate digital risks and enhance access to redressal mechanisms.
