Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): OPPO India along with MeitY’s Common Services Centres to empower rural women as ‘Cyber Sanginis’ 

OPPO India and CSC Academy join forces to empower rural and semi-urban women through the Cyber Sangini programme, which is supported by the Ministry of Electronics & IT.

This initiative, which will train 10,000 women in cybersecurity and cyber wellness, aims to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to become certified Cyber Security Ambassadors. On completion of the 45-day course, participants will receive a certificate from NIELIT that will open doors to employment and livelihood opportunities in their localities.

The Cyber Sanginis will be trained about the existing laws and frameworks available to every citizen to protect them from such cyber incidents. In line with OPPO’s vision of “Technology for Mankind and Kindness for World”, these women shall be allowed to collect a nominal fee from the citizens for their support in addressing cybersecurity and cyber wellness issues to make them self-sufficient. Sharing the values of MEITY’s Stay Safe Online, the Cyber Sanginiprogramme aims to raise awareness among citizens to stay safe in an online world, especially with the widespread use of social media and the rapid adoption of digital payments.

The course covers the precautions that need to be taken by every Internet user when it comes to reporting any incident of cyberattack, cyberbullying, stealing data and loss of business/reputation.

On the commencement of the initiative, Sanjay Kumar Rakesh, MD & CEO, CSC SPV, said, “With the growing threat of cyber attacks and lack of awareness around cybersecurity, it is crucial to establish local-level support systems in villages to protect the general population, particularly vulnerable groups such as women, students, the elderly, and the uneducated. The dangers of the internet are ever-evolving and far-reaching. Our partnership with OPPO, through the Cyber Sangini program, will empower individuals to become Cyber-Security Ambassadors who are continuously trained and supported, providing a powerful solution to these challenges.”

Commenting on the association, Vivek Vasishtha, Vice-President, Public Affairs, OPPO India, said, “As India aggressively strives to reach its trillion-dollar digital economy potential, OPPO stands proud in partnership with CSC Academy to launch a campaign that not only sensitises users of all ages about online risks and safety measures but also actively promotes cyber hygiene. This initiative is a crucial step in reinforcing the cyber safety of citizens, enabling enhanced public participation in the Digital Economy. It is also a step towards realising the Honorable Prime Minister’s vision of inclusive social and economic growth through digital transformation.”

OPPO India has a legacy of contributing to India’s social, digital, and economic growth through various initiatives for a brighter tomorrow. To further encourage innovation amongst youth, OPPO India conducts skill-development programs like Elevate and Genius+. Also, OPPO has partnered with UNDP to initiate environmental projects and supported the country during the COVID-19 pandemic by donating oxygen concentrators, breathing machines, and OPPO bands for the well-being of citizens. Recently, OPPO India has partnered with the Kesari Devi Charitable Trust and MENSA India to provide access to schooling and digital learning tools to underprivileged children.