The Museum of Digital Society: A Living Archive of Digital Inclusion
Lakshmi Devi was just another woman living in the calm, rural village of Buti in Senha Block, Lohardaga district, Jharkhand. She lived a basic and honest life, doing her best to support her family. But it all changed when a stranger visited her community and offered her what appeared to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The man promised Lakshmi a brand-new automobile, something that would significantly improve her life and allow her family to earn a higher income. All she needed to do was pay ₹60,000 upfront. Lakshmi Devi did not hesitate to pursue her goals of a better future. She gave over her hard-earned savings, completely trusting the man’s assurances.
Lakshmi paid an additional ₹60,000 to a man who claimed to be able to recover the money she had lost. But, just like the first time, she was left devastated. The weight of losing ₹1,20,000 was terrible, since she had trusted twice and been tricked.
Around this time, Lakshmi was introduced to the SheCatalysts programme by the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), a programme that seeks to educate women about the dangers of misinformation, fake news, and online fraud. With her heart still heavy from the betrayal she had faced, Lakshmi enrolled as a learner, hoping for some solace and direction. The programme was a turning point in her life, as she sat in those training sessions, Lakshmi was equipped with knowledge and skills she never knew she needed. She learned how to identify scams, how to verify information, and how to use digital tools to protect herself from fraudulent schemes. With each lesson, Lakshmi regained some of the confidence that had been stolen from her. Slowly but surely, she was transforming from a victim into someone capable of standing up for herself and others.
Lakshmi’s decision to share what she had learnt heightened the impact of her change. Rather than keep her newfound knowledge to herself, she began teaching her neighbours—women like herself—about the risks of disinformation and fraud. Lakshmi became a local advocate and guardian of her neighbourhood. She even started training other women, teaching them the crucial digital literacy skills that had rescued her from future violence. Her efforts helped the women of Buti village become wiser, more careful, and less prone to fall victim to fraud.
Lakshmi Devi’s journey from fraud victim to community protector is quite remarkable. Thanks to the SheCatalysts program, her tale ended with hope and empowerment rather than heartbreak. Today, she is a symbol of strength, a woman who regained control of her life and used her experience to help others. Her determination and fortitude have made her a symbol of change in her village, ensuring that fewer women endure as she did. Lakshmi Devi’s tale is a compelling reminder that with the correct information and resources, even the most difficult challenges can be overcome. She is no longer just a survivor—she is a catalyst for change, a voice for her community, and a genuine beacon of hope for others.
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