Uncategorised

YASHODA AI Workshop Empowers Over 250 Women Entrepreneurs with AI Literacy at EDII Ahmedabad

NCW and Future Shift Labs Drive AI Literacy for Women at EDII Ahmedabad Through YASHODA AI Workshop

BILKULONLINE

Ahmedabad, July 04: In a significant push towards digital inclusion and empowerment, the YASHODA AI initiative—spearheaded by the National Commission for Women (NCW) in collaboration with global think tank Future Shift Labs (FSL)—conducted a dynamic AI literacy workshop at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad.

Held on July 3, the workshop witnessed the participation of over 250 women entrepreneurs, self-help group (SHG) members, and college students, all keen to explore the potential of artificial intelligence in their personal and professional spheres.

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, addressing the gathering, emphasized the transformative role AI can play in bridging socio-economic divides. “Empowering women with digital tools and AI knowledge is not just an opportunity—it’s a necessity for equitable progress,” she remarked during her keynote address.

The YASHODA AI program aims to address the gendered digital divide by equipping grassroots women with hands-on exposure to emerging technologies. NCW Deputy Secretary Shivani Dey underlined the strategic objectives of the initiative, pointing out that AI literacy can be a game-changer for women striving to achieve economic independence and social mobility.

Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General of EDII, highlighted the importance of integrating such progressive initiatives into entrepreneurship development. “At EDII, we believe that digital and AI literacy is integral to building resilient and future-ready women entrepreneurs. Hosting the YASHODA AI workshop aligns with our mission to nurture inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems,” he stated.

Led by startup ecosystem expert Swarup, the workshop delivered practical sessions on AI for Good tools, digital security, and technology-enabled business strategies. Participants explored AI platforms such as Meta AI, ChatGPT, and Gemini, while also gaining insights into safeguarding against online threats including deepfakes, app-based frauds, and financial scams.

A pre-workshop survey had revealed significant gaps in AI familiarity and confidence among attendees. However, a post-workshop evaluation showed marked improvement in their understanding and a strong willingness to integrate AI tools into their entrepreneurial journeys. Certificates of participation were distributed to acknowledge their commitment to digital upskilling.

The success of the YASHODA AI initiative reflects the visionary leadership of Future Shift Labs’ founders Nitin Narang and Sagar Vishnoi, along with Convenor Pranav Dwivedi, who continue to steer the program toward impactful and inclusive outcomes.

As India’s apex body for women’s rights, the National Commission for Women remains steadfast in its mission to foster legal, educational, and technological empowerment for women. Future Shift Labs, with its focus on equity and innovation, reiterated its commitment to nurturing inclusive tech ecosystems that prioritize access and grassroots impact.