Protection and Empowerment of Women in the Era of Cyberspace: A Strategic Imperative for India

Abstract

The advent of the internet turned over a new leaf for mankind as it turned the world into a Global Village and enhanced communication across the globe. It also plays an important role in the empowerment of women as they can access knowledge, information, and services, which was a distant dream for them. They now have the ability to learn new skills and engage in multifarious activities that were narrowed down due to the archaic era which defined traditional gender roles for women. It also
provides them with a platform to voice their opinions, interact with the outside world and raise their voices on gendered social issues. However, it is crucial to understand that women have been the victims of violent and heinous crimes for ages. They are often considered as scapegoats and targeted for the commission of socio-legal damages, wrongdoings and crimes transpiring in the Indian society. The cyber space has been no dissimilar for women as they are exposed to crimes like cyber defamation,
sexual harassment, indecent exposure by men on the internet, email misrepresentation and much more. They are vulnerable to receiving sexual content and inappropriate messages over the internet which amounts to online abuse. As a result, the cyberspace is not able to have the desired positive impact on women. This study undertakes an analysis of the issues faced by women in the cyberspace. It dwells upon the need for cyber security and effective tackling of cybercrimes for protecting women in
cyberspace. It offers suggestions to ensure women empowerment in the truest sense.