BOBCARD Ltd. Launches ‘StreeTech Pragati’ Initiative to Bridge the Digital Divide for Women

Aims to empower thousands of college girls and young women with cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behaviour over a period of time
Empowered up to 7,000 women by imparting digital financial literacy
Enhancing digital infrastructure in schools of underserved areas

Mumbai, 27.03.2025 – In an era where digital access defines economic opportunity, BOBCARD LIMITED, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Baroda, is ensuring that women and young learners across Maharashtra are not left behind. With the launch of its initiative, ‘StreeTech Pragati,’ BOBCARD is transforming digital literacy into a tool for empowerment, financial inclusion, and online safety.

Recognizing that true financial independence extends beyond access to credit, BOBCARD’s StreeTech Pragati integrates financial literacy with digital accessibility, empowering underserved and socially disadvantaged women to navigate the digital world securely. Building upon the success of its Shakti Samridhi program, BOBCARD’s new initiative ‘StreeTech Pragati’ introduces a new set of structured programs in collaboration with Ahaan Foundation—including Digital Stree Shakti, Cyber Sakhi, and Digi Support— a step further in creating a sustainable model for unlocking their potential and fostering gender equality. By integrating financial literacy with digital accessibility, these programs ensure that women are not just aware of financial tools but are equipped to use them effectively in their daily lives.

The launch event was graced by Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shreemati Meghana Bordikar, Hon’ble Minister of State for Public Health, Water Supply & Sanitation, Energy, Women & Child Development, and Public Works (Public Undertakings), Maharashtra, along with Mr. Ravindra Rai , MD & CEO, BOBCARD LIMITED, and other distinguished dignitaries, reaffirming BOBCARD’s CSR commitment, “Reimagining Lives,” by fostering digital inclusion and financial empowerment.

During the media event, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra said “Empowering women with digital literacy is about securing their future and enabling them to lead with confidence in the digital economy. BOBCARD’s StreeTech Pragati is a commendable initiative that equips women with the knowledge and awareness to navigate the digital world securely. I applaud this effort and encourage more such initiatives that bridge the digital gap and foster inclusivity in financial growth.”

Further, Mr. Ravindra Rai, MD & CEO, BOBCARD LIMITED asserted “At BOBCARD, we are committed to driving financial inclusion by ensuring that digital literacy reaches every corner of society. Through StreeTech Pragati, we have empowered over 7000 women with essential digital and financial skills, equipping them to transact securely and independently. Our goal is to scale this impact further, reaching thousands of women over a period of time. With increasing digital adoption, financial security is paramount, and we will continue to support initiatives that enable women to take control of their financial future with confidence.”

“Women’s financial independence begins with knowledge. StreeTech Pragati is not just about learning digital skills but about enabling women to take control of their financial future securely. We look forward to seeing more young girls and women benefit from this initiative and contribute to a more financially empowered society.” During the media event, added Shreemati Meghana Bordikar, Hon’ble Minister of State for Women & Child Development.

Under “Reimagining Lives: StreeTech Pragati”, the following key programs have been envisioned:

Digital Stree Shakti: Digital Financial Literacy for Women in SHGs
Under the Digital Stree Shakti initiative, BOBCARD, in partnership with Ahaan Foundation, has developed a specialized training module aimed at empowering, women from marginalized communities. So far, BOBCARD has covered around 1500 women via workshops under this initiative. These interactive workshops focus on:

Digital financial literacy and safe online banking
Cyber safety tips to prevent online fraud
Interactive activity-based workshops promoting financial inclusion
Effective reporting mechanisms for online distress
Free counselling support for victims of cybercrime
This initiative aligns with Maharashtra’s broader goal of strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and integrating women into the digital economy, ensuring that access to technology translates into meaningful economic opportunities.

Cyber Sakhi: Empowering Young Women for Online Safety
Recognizing the growing concerns around cyber threats, BOBCARD extended a support to the program-Cyber Sakhi initiative to educate young women in colleges across Mumbai about online safety. So far, BOBCARD has covered over 5500+ young students across 15+ colleges under this initiative with cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behaviour, covering topics such as:

Safe usage of social media and mobile phones
Cyber safety tricks to avoid scams and frauds
Making educational institutions cyber safe
Free counselling support for online distress victims
The initiative has been successfully conducted in colleges across Mumbai, including Ruparel College, SIES College of Commerce and Economics, Kirti College, KBP College Thane, and several others.

Digi Support: Bridging the Digital Divide in Schools
As part of its CSR commitment, BOBCARD Ltd. has also undertaken the Digi Support initiative, which focuses on bridging the digital divide by donating computers and printers to schools in underprivileged areas. By enhancing digital infrastructure, BOBCARD Ltd. aims to create a conducive learning environment that enables students to build essential tech skills for the future.

Through these initiatives, BOBCARD is making significant strides toward financial inclusion, digital empowerment, and cyber safety. By equipping women and young students with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital landscape securely, BOBCARD Ltd. is fostering a digitally inclusive society where financial independence is not hindered by lack of access or awareness.

With rapid digitization, the ability to use online services safely and efficiently has become a fundamental necessity. Women and marginalized communities often face challenges in accessing and utilizing digital platforms, limiting their economic and social opportunities. BOBCARD’s initiatives address this gap by providing structured training and resources to ensure that women and students can confidently engage in the digital economy.

BOBCARD Ltd. remains steadfast in its mission to drive financial empowerment through digital literacy, ensuring that technology becomes an enabler rather than a barrier for women and young learners across Maharashtra.

Laxmi Samriddhi: BOBCARD further aspires to bring financial literacy to women in the coming years through “Laxmi Samriddhi” initiative which will include Savings & Financial Literacy Sessions for beneficiaries of Stree Shakti.