Hithawathi

"Hithawathi” comprises three integral components:

1. A free help desk for individuals who do not feel secure on the Internet.

2. Creation and dispersion of comprehensive cybersafety awareness content.

3. Conducting awareness sessions on cybersafety.

Help Desk support is extended through multiple channels - a call centre, email service, web chat, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Viber. All of which are supported on all three languages spoken in Sri Lanka –Sinhala, Tamil, and English. While there is no gender restriction on Hithawathi services, the hotline is handled by female officers who are better equipped to handle a distressed female or child callers. The project also emphasises compassionate and empathetic support, recognising the mental state of victims who often feel helpless and desperate. The project and hotline name, Hithawathi (a female confidante), also signifies a close, friendly, and trustworthy relationship.

Cybersafety content to create awareness includes physical materials such as leaflets and booklets, as well as appealing, high-quality digital resources like posters, clips, reels, and videos. These digital resources are often created by skilled content creators, aiming to raise awareness about cybersafety and to promote Hithawathi services. All digital content is easily accessible on the Hithawathi website and across various social media platforms.

Cybersafety awareness sessions involve physical gatherings primarily held at venues carefully chosen based on their ability to reach the target audience.

Please see the attached project report document for an update on the quarterly progress for 2023 Q4.