AP Mahila Commission declares Fridays as Women's Dignity Day to Combat Social Media Abuse

By: WE Staff | Thursday, 6 July 2023

AP Mahila Commission Chairperson Vasireddy Padma has announced that every Friday will be observed as Women's Dignity Day in an effort to raise awareness about cybercrimes and social media abuse faced by women. The initiative aims to empower women to protect themselves and seek support from the Mahila Commission, police, law enforcement agencies, and NGOs to ensure strict punishment for those engaging in online abuse.

A seminar titled 'Abuse of Women on social media platforms - Suggestions and Recommendations' was organized, highlighting the need for political parties to unite in safeguarding women's dignity. Participants expressed concerns about the prevalence of derogatory comments and character assassination targeting women on social media, emphasizing the urgency to address this issue.

Various suggestions were put forth during the seminar, including the establishment of dedicated cyber cells in all police stations to effectively handle cybercrimes and social media abuse cases. Attendees also stressed the importance of enacting stringent laws and imposing increased punishment for offenders involved in online abuse. They recognized that the existing maximum punishment of seven years for social media abuse was inadequate and called for a reevaluation of the sentencing framework.

The seminar underlined the significance of raising awareness among women about cybercrimes, harassment, and ways to protect themselves from cybercriminals. Participants emphasized the need to launch campaigns such as 'Stay safe and Stay secure' to educate women on online safety measures.

Concerns were raised regarding the failure to effectively prevent social media abuse of women, prompting calls for severe punishment for the culprits. Officials and organizations expressed their commitment to combating this issue and ensuring the safety and well-being of women in the digital realm.

By designating Fridays as Women's Dignity Day and encouraging women to seek assistance from relevant authorities and support organizations, the AP Mahila Commission aims to empower women, raise awareness about their rights, and create a safer online environment. The initiative aligns with the ongoing efforts to address cybercrimes, promote gender equality, and protect women's dignity in Andhra Pradesh.