Yashoda AI Initiative Aims To Empower Women In India Through Digital Literacy And AI Training

A workshop focusing on women's AI literacy and digital awareness took place at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, on May 22. This event is part of the Yashoda AI initiative, which aims to empower women to contribute meaningfully to a technologically driven and inclusive India. The National Commission for Women (NCW) leads this initiative, targeting rural and semi-urban communities.

Yashoda AI seeks to democratise artificial intelligence by making inclusivity its core focus. It aims to bridge the digital divide and promote AI literacy among underserved communities, particularly women and grassroots stakeholders. The program provides technical awareness and contextual understanding, enabling these communities to actively participate in an AI-driven future.

Empowering Women Through Technology

The initiative was officially launched in May in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Since then, it has expanded its reach through strategic engagements with local communities across states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat. For instance, police officers in Moradabad engaged in a cross-sector dialogue on the ethical use of AI.

"Women from the grassroots are not just learning about AI; they are asking how they can use it for their families, farms, and future. That is empowerment in its truest sense," said Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson of NCW at the launch.

Yashoda AI's unique approach focuses on grassroots engagement rather than elite tech discussions. By embedding gender equity and content localisation, the program teaches AI through a social justice lens. It moves beyond traditional narratives by actively involving those often excluded from digital conversations.

Tools for Digital Empowerment

The initiative includes significant tools like the AI Passport and AI Literacy Toolkit. The AI Digital Passport is a personalised booklet available in Hindi that helps women track their progress while using various AI applications. It supports learning across tasks such as everyday assistance with ChatGPT and Google Gemini.

The AI Literacy Toolkit educates women about how artificial intelligence impacts their digital lives. Available in Hindi, it covers online safety issues like stalking and cyberbullying while providing practical advice on using AI responsibly. It also informs women about their rights and legal steps against cyber abuse.

Workshops Reaching Diverse Audiences

As of July 2025, Yashoda AI has conducted 11 workshops reaching diverse segments of society including rural women, first-time technology users, law enforcement personnel, and local leaders. Each session blends accessibility with depth to make learning actionable and transformative.

Sagar Vishnoi, Director of Future Shift Labs stated: "Yashoda AI is not just about decoding artificial intelligence for the grassroots. It is about reclaiming agency in a digital age." The initiative ensures that women are not just beneficiaries but active contributors to the digital revolution.

The Yashoda AI initiative reflects India's aspirations for a developed nation driven by technology inclusion. By empowering women with essential skills in AI, cybersecurity, and digital safety, it aims to create an ecosystem where everyone has a voice in shaping technological futures.