New Delhi, Feb 27: The Women, Child Development & Entrepreneurship (WCD&E) Committee of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), in collaboration with Girl Effect India, organised a closed-door roundtable titled “India Vs Tech हिंसा: Collective Action against Online Violence” at PHD House, New Delhi.
Delivering the welcome address, Ms. Shalini S. Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, expressed gratitude to the Chair and Co-Chairs of the Committee and underscored that as India advances rapidly under the Digital India vision, ensuring that women and girls can access the internet freely and safely must remain a national priority. The session began with participant introductions, fostering an open and collaborative exchange.
Introducing Girl Effect India, Ms. Kavita Ayyagari, Country Director, highlighted the organisation’s mission to support girls in staying in school, accessing critical healthcare including HPV immunisation, gaining employable skills, and becoming independent decision-makers. She shared that the Girl Effect community reaches over 150 million people globally, 90 percent of whom are women.
Ms. Ayyagari also showcased key digital initiatives, including Bol Behen, an AI-enabled chatbot that provides credible information on sexual and reproductive health, mental well-being, relationships, stress management, and safe digital practices. Other initiatives such as ChhaaJaa, Tipi Tipi Talk, and Youth Champions were discussed as platforms empowering girls to make informed decisions and safely navigate digital spaces.
Setting the context on Tech Violence (Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence – TFGBV), representatives from Girl Effect India presented research findings based on consultations with girls, boys, parents, and experts. The findings revealed that while digital access offers opportunities, nearly every girl online reports experiencing some form of cyber harm, including cyberstalking and online harassment. Key challenges identified include lack of confidence among girls to report abuse, hesitation to approach law enforcement, limited structured counselling mechanisms, and the need for parents to adopt supportive rather than punitive responses to create safer digital environments.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Aruna Abhey Oswal, Chair – WCD&E Committee, PHDCCI, appreciated the inclusive nature of the research, which acknowledged that online exploitation impacts multiple groups and demands systemic solutions. She emphasised the importance of collective action across government, industry, and civil society to address emerging digital risks.
The industry dialogue, moderated by Ms. Archana Aggarwal, Co-Chair – WCD&E Committee, PHDCCI, focused on actionable pathways to prevent digital harm, strengthen institutional response systems, and empower girls to report abuse. Participants suggested integrating digital safety awareness into computer literacy programmes across educational institutions and submitting structured recommendations to relevant government authorities for policy consideration.
Ms. Rekha Mody, Founder and Chairperson, Streeshakti – The Parallel Force, proposed that awareness on online harms and preventive measures be embedded in all computer education initiatives and recommended submitting consolidated recommendations to concerned ministries to mobilise systemic action.
The roundtable concluded with a Collective Pledge Against Tech violence, jointly led by PHDCCI and Girl Effect India, reaffirming the shared commitment to ensuring that the future of Digital India enables women and girls to participate fully, safely, and without fear.
The session ended with closing remarks and a vote of thanks by the Chair and Co-Chair of the Committee, followed by networking over hi-tea.