Unveiling The Digital Divide: 89% Women In Bhopal Lack Access To Online Safety Awareness

A recent survey conducted by the Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), has brought to light a significant gap in awareness and usage of digital safety tools among women in Bhopal. The findings reveal that nearly 89 percent of women surveyed are unaware of modern digital safety tools, while a mere 11 percent actively use them to protect themselves in today’s increasingly digital world. This survey highlights widespread digital illiteracy in safety among women despite the availability of numerous technological applications designed to enhance personal protection.

Key Highlights From The MANIT Survey

The survey included women aged 10 and above from varied locations in Bhopal, such as educational institutions, recreational parks, residential areas, markets, and tourist spots, ensuring a diverse and representative sample.

Although most women regularly use popular e-commerce applications like Myntra, Amazon, and Flipkart, their familiarity with dedicated digital safety tools remains very limited.

Digital safety tools assessed included mobile safety apps such as Life360, My Safetipin, Red Panic Button, and emergency helplines like 1090 in Madhya Pradesh.

Only a small fraction of respondents reported using devices like digital safety watches mainly targeted at children and teenagers for location tracking and live monitoring.

During the survey, participants were introduced to various safety apps through demonstrations that showed how to download and use them effectively.

Awareness Gap And Its Implications

The principal investigator from MANIT, Supriya Vyas, pointed out that the glaring lack of awareness hampers women’s ability to leverage technology for safety and empowerment.

The study stresses the urgent need for awareness campaigns, digital literacy drives, and training to help women use these tools proactively.

Increasing knowledge about emergency numbers, mobile apps, and safety gadgets is essential to build an ecosystem where women can feel secure and self-reliant.

Initiatives For Enhancing Women’s Safety

The survey coincides with government and civil society efforts to promote “Safe Tourism Destinations for Women” in Madhya Pradesh, including the introduction of 181 regional helplines and mobile apps like MyAmber.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) operates 24x7 helpline services accessible to women seeking information and assistance.

Local authorities and NGOs are collaborating to expand self-defence training, cyber safety education, and community policing initiatives.

Survey Methodology And Scientific Approach

Experts from MANIT’s Architecture and Planning department employed a combination of surveys, mapping of safe and unsafe zones, and direct interaction to identify safety concerns in tourist and public areas.

The survey also assessed infrastructure needs such as lighting, clean toilets, accessible footpaths, clear signage, and active security corridors critical for women’s safe movement.

Workshops and awareness sessions complement the research with hands-on training on digital tool usage.

Future Roadmap For Empowerment And Security

Enhanced digital literacy is deemed a necessity for contemporary women’s safety, especially in urban and semi-urban settings.

The survey recommends integrating digital safety education within school curricula and community programs.

Social media and local influencers can play a vital role in dispelling myths, promoting best practices, and encouraging app usage among women.

Continued research and monitoring will be essential to track progress and adapt interventions to emerging challenges.

Conclusion

The MANIT survey lays bare the urgent challenges faced by women in Bhopal regarding digital safety awareness and usage. While technology provides powerful means to safeguard women against growing societal risks, the benefits remain largely untapped due to insufficient knowledge and outreach. Addressing this gap through focused education, government and community initiatives, and accessible technological tools is a critical step toward creating safer and more inclusive spaces for women in the digital age.

Sources: Free Press Journal, Amar Ujala, MANIT Bhopal, The Daily Pioneer