Women’s Safety in Digital Space

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between privacy concerns and women’s empowerment in the context of India’s growing Smart Cities Movement and prevalent smartphone use. Using feminist ideas and legal frameworks to address cyberbullying, online harassment, cyberfraud and misogyny, it addresses cybersecurity and data privacy issues. The study emphasises the value of gendered implications of urban security and participatory design principles in smart city efforts. It suggests examining cyberfeminism and highlights the need for women to take an active role in developing safe online environments. Findings point to weaknesses in the legal systems that exist today as well as the possibility that technological improvements will exacerbate gender disparity. Legislative mandates should be strengthened, gender gaps in digital literacy should be closed, gender-sensitive design should be incorporated into smart city initiatives and women working in activism and digital technology should be encouraged to collaborate.