Programme on Online Abuse

The Indian Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO), in collaboration with Just Rights for Children (JRC) and Chevalier T. Thomas Elizabeth College for Women (CTTE), organised an awareness and capacity-building programme on “Online Abuse, Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking among Youth” at the JJ Auditorium, CTTE College for Women, Chennai. The programme brought together students, faculty members, volunteers, media representatives and civil society representatives to create awareness on the growing risks of online abuse, sexual exploitation and human trafficking and to equip young people to recognise and prevent such risks. The programme commenced with a prayer song and registration of students, followed by the gathering of students, guests and media representatives. Dr. S. Sridevi Principal, CTTE College for Women, delivered the Welcome Address and welcomed the guests and participants. She spoke about the increasing freedom and choices available to women, including the freedom to make decisions regarding marriage and divorce, while emphasising that freedom must also be accompanied by awareness and the ability to protect oneself from risks and exploitation. She said the programme had been organised to provide students with such awareness and knowledge. Mementos were presented to Dr. P.M. Nair, IPS (Retd.), International Expert on Human Trafficking Matters, and Mr. A.J. Hariharan, Founder Secretary, ICWO. Dr. P.M. Nair Calls for Awareness Programmes Across Colleges The key session was delivered by Dr. P.M. Nair, IPS (Retd.) who spoke about online sexual exploitation, human trafficking and the increasing risks faced by children and youth. Dr. P.M.Nair said: “This event on capacity building of the youth in understanding, preventing and fighting Online Sexual Exploitation and related issues organised by CTTE College along with ICWO and Just Rights For Children on 29.9.26 is an important event which will have tremendous impact in the youth. Thousands of youth and children are being lured or deceived or coerced by online abusers and traffickers in the name of job and so many other things. Eventually, many of them are landing as victims of these predators. Once the children and youth are aware of the issues, they will ensure that they do not fall into the trap. Therefore, we need to carry out such programmes across all colleges in the country. I am so happy that I have been called in as a resource person to address the issues and suggest the solutions and guide the youth. It is not just honour for me, it is my profound duty in national interest. Our nation is safe only when our youth and children are also safe. This is a great step in ensuring national security. Jai Hind.” Hariharan Highlights Anti-Human Trafficking Clubs Mr. A.J. Hariharan, Founder Secretary, ICWO, addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of youth participation in preventing human trafficking and exploitation. He spoke about ICWO’s Anti-Human Trafficking Clubs (AHTCs) and appreciated CTTE College for Women for being the first college to start an AHTC. He noted that the initiative has since expanded to more than 100 colleges with AHTC Clubs, providing young people with opportunities to learn about trafficking, exploitation, prevention and responsible action. Mr. A.J.Hariharan also stressed that awareness is essential in protecting young people in the digital age. “Awareness is the first and most powerful step towards protecting young people. Our objective is not to discourage young people from using technology, but to empower them to use it safely and constructively.” He appreciated the collaboration between ICWO, JRC and CTTE College for Women and emphasised the importance of partnerships between civil society organisations and educational institutions in strengthening child protection and prevention. As part of the programme, awareness posters were released and an oath-taking ceremony was conducted with students and volunteers. The Humanities Club of CTTE College for Women also presented an enactment on online abuse, sexual exploitation and trafficking. The programme highlighted the shared responsibility of young people, families, educational institutions, civil society organisations and communities in preventing exploitation and creating safer online and offline environments. Ms. Dhrisya, Professor, Department of English, CTTE College for Women, proposed the Vote of Thanks. The programme concluded with a call for continued capacity-building and awareness programmes across educational institutions, empowering young people to become responsible digital citizens and active participants in preventing online abuse, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.