Initiative aims to create safer, more inclusive digital spaces for adolescent girls and young women in India
New Delhi, August 25, 2025 – Girl Effect India has launched CTRL+SHIFT+RESPECT, a pioneering initiative to tackle the growing challenge of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) in India. Designed to protect adolescent girls and young women from online abuse, the program seeks to transform digital spaces into safe, respectful, and empowering environments.
Recent studies underscore the urgency: 54.8% of women in India have faced some form of TFGBV, with cyberstalking (61.77%) and impersonation (61.02%) among the most reported. The repercussions extend beyond the digital sphere, as 65% of survivors report severe mental health challenges, career setbacks, and social isolation. Despite this, systemic gaps in redressal persist, with only 30% of cases reported to law enforcement, reflecting a lack of trust in formal mechanisms.
“As our world becomes more and more digital, so do the spaces where harm can occur. Just as technology empowers, it is also misused to shame, troll and perpetrate violence against women and girls. CTRL+SHIFT+RESPECT is our youth-powered program to challenge online abuse and shift digital culture towards respect,” said Kavita Ayyagari, Country Director, Girl Effect India.
the heart of the initiative is the launch of CTRL+SHIFT+HELP, India’s first comprehensive resource connecting survivors with verified legal, psychosocial, and community-based support services. Girl Effect also showcased Bol Behen, a WhatsApp chatbot offering 24×7 access to reliable information, enabling girls to navigate online spaces with confidence.
The program takes a holistic approach, focusing on:
Digital literacy and rights awareness for adolescent girls
Engaging boys, parents, and educators to challenge harmful mindsets
Strengthening survivor support systems through partnerships with government, civil society, and community leaders
The launch event was attended by representatives from CBSE, who emphasized the need for socio-emotional wellbeing and safe digital navigation for children. More than 20 organizations, including UN Women, Laadli Foundation, RATI Foundation, Point of View, Center for Social Research, Restless Development, The Quantum Hub, ChildFund India, and Radio Mirchi, pledged their support to the cause.
A youth champion from Girl Effect’s Gully Youth Lab remarked, “We see girls silenced every day because of online abuse. Programs like CTRL+SHIFT+RESPECT give us the power to not only speak up but also help rewrite the rules of the internet.”
The initiative is grounded in formative research conducted in Delhi and Mumbai. Findings revealed that girls often recognize harmful online experiences but hesitate to disclose them due to stigma, fear of blame, or risk of losing access to devices. Boys expressed willingness to support but lacked safe spaces to act as allies. Parents, while aware of risks, often resorted to restrictive measures due to limited digital literacy—further deepening the gender digital divide.
With youth leadership, evidence-based strategies, and collective accountability, Girl Effect India’s CTRL+SHIFT+RESPECT marks the beginning of a nationwide movement to make digital spaces safer and more equitable.
About Girl Effect India
Girl Effect India is part of the global non-profit Girl Effect, which works at the intersection of media, technology, and youth engagement to empower adolescent girls. Through innovative programs, digital platforms, and community partnerships, Girl Effect challenges harmful norms, builds confidence, and equips young people with the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
