17, Apr 2026
Cyber Safety Awareness in Jaffna under the BRIDGE Project
The Cyber Safe Women Advocacy Group of the Civil Society Organization Federation, through the EU-funded BRIDGE Project, has taken decisive steps to transform silence into action. Over a six-week period, five impactful awareness sessions were conducted, reaching 514 participants, 326 women and 187 men, with 402 youth actively engaged in creating safe spaces to address an often hidden issue in the digital sphere.
Guided by experts from the Cybercrime Division, these sessions went beyond awareness-building. They fostered trust, strengthened confidence, and created a renewed sense of protection among participants, equipping them with the knowledge to respond to cyber-related challenges. For many, it was the first time they felt empowered to speak openly. Fear gradually gave way to confidence, hesitation turned into action, and voices that were once suppressed began to emerge with strength and clarity. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive.
As Ms. Tharsiny, a Career Guidance Officer, reflected, “This awareness is very useful and should be conducted for every intake.” A student further shared, “I was hesitant to report before, but now I feel confident that cases will be handled confidentially.” This initiative stands not merely as an intervention, but as a growing movement. It demonstrates that when communities come together, barriers can be broken, trust can be rebuilt, and women can confidently reclaim their space in the digital world.
In Jaffna, a new narrative is emerging, one of courage, resilience, and empowered voices shaping a safer digital future.
