Latest news with #YashodaAI
Mint
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Yashoda AI: India's first Artificial Intelligence literacy campaign for rural women
On May 22, a women's Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy and digital awareness workshop was organised at the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. The event is part of the Yashoda AI initiative, which aims to empower women to contribute meaningfully to a Viksit Bharat driven by technology and inclusion. Led by the National Commission for Women (NCW), the Yashoda AI Abhiyan wants to stand as India's effort to empower women, mainly from rural and semi-urban communities, with essential skills in AI, Cybersecurity, and Digital Safety. Since then, Yashoda AI, billed as the country's first AI education initiative specifically for women, has conducted 11 workshops, reaching diverse segments of society, including rural women, first-time technology users, law enforcement personnel, and local leaders. Here is all you need to know about Yashoda AI: Yashoda AI is an initiative that seeks to democratise artificial intelligence by placing inclusivity at its core. Designed to bridge the digital divide and promote AI literacy across underserved communities, the initiative particularly targets women and grassroots stakeholders. Yashoda AI is a transformative model for responsible tech adoption. The program imparts technical awareness and contextual understanding, enabling communities to participate in and benefit from the AI-driven future actively. Yashoda AI is led by NCW in collaboration with Future Shift Labs, a forward-thinking policy and innovation collective committed to shaping equitable tech ecosystems, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of women-led development and a Viksit Bharat. The initiative was officially launched in May in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Since then, it has expanded its footprint through strategic engagements with local communities across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Gujarat, among other states. The initiative, for example, engaged with police officers in Moradabad in Western Uttar Pradesh, facilitating 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.' Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson, NCW said at the launch. Those behind the initiative say that Yashoda AI aims to ensure that women are not just beneficiaries of the digital revolution but active contributors to it. The goal is to democratise access to AI knowledge and create an ecosystem where everyone has a voice in shaping technological futures. 'Yashoda AI is not just about decoding artificial intelligence for the grassroots. It is about reclaiming agency in a digital age. We believe that ethical AI must begin with inclusive awareness, and that means building understanding from the ground up,' Sagar Vishnoi, Director, Future Shift Labs, told LiveMint 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 is carefully curated to blend accessibility with depth, making learning actionable and transformative. AI Passport and AI Literacy Toolkit are two significant tools under Yashoda AI. The AI Digital Passport, available as a booklet in Hindi language, is a personalised tool designed to help women track their progress and achievements while using various AI-powered applications. The AI Digital Passport, available as a booklet in Hindi language, is a personalised tool designed to help women track their progress and achievements while using various AI-powered applications. AI Passport supports learning across tasks such as everyday assistance with ChatGPT and Google Gemini, research with ChatPDF and Notion AI, creativity with Canva AI, and organisation with It also takes you through modern tools in vernacular languages such as Krutrim, Anuvadini, to name a few. This initiative empowers women to take charge of their digital journeys, fostering inclusive skill development and helping them navigate the evolving digital world safely and effectively. The AI Literacy Toolkit is a resource designed to help women understand how artificial intelligence impacts their digital lives, focusing on both its benefits and potential harms. The toolkit, also in Hindi, educates users on online safety, including issues like stalking, impersonation, cyberbullying, and data privacy. The toolkit provides practical advice on using AI responsibly, identifying fake profiles, and protecting personal information. It also informs women about their rights and the legal steps they can take in case of cyber abuse. The initiative was officially launched in May in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Since then, it has expanded its footprint through strategic engagements with local communities. Developed with support from the NCW, the toolkit aims to empower women to navigate digital spaces confidently and safely. Yashoda AI reflects Viksit Bharat's aspirations. 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. Yashoda AI is unique due to its grassroots-first approach to AI and it moves beyond the confines of elite tech discourse and actively engages those who are often excluded from digital narratives.
Mint
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Yashoda AI Abhiyan: India's first Artificial Intelligence literacy campaign for rural women
On May 22, a women's Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy and digital awareness workshop was organised at the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. The event is part of the Yashoda AI initiative, which aims to empower women to contribute meaningfully to a Viksit Bharat driven by technology and inclusion. Led by the National Commission for Women (NCW), the Yashoda AI Abhiyan wants to stand as India's effort to empower women, mainly from rural and semi-urban communities, with essential skills in AI, Cybersecurity, and Digital Safety. Since then, Yashoda AI, billed as the country's first AI education initiative specifically for women, has conducted 11 workshops, reaching diverse segments of society, including rural women, first-time technology users, law enforcement personnel, and local leaders. Here is all you need to know about Yashoda AI: Yashoda AI is an initiative that seeks to democratise artificial intelligence by placing inclusivity at its core. Designed to bridge the digital divide and promote AI literacy across underserved communities, the initiative particularly targets women and grassroots stakeholders. Yashoda AI is a transformative model for responsible tech adoption. The program imparts technical awareness and contextual understanding, enabling communities to participate in and benefit from the AI-driven future actively. Yashoda AI is led by NCW in collaboration with Future Shift Labs, a forward-thinking policy and innovation collective committed to shaping equitable tech ecosystems, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of women-led development and a Viksit Bharat. The initiative was officially launched in May in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Since then, it has expanded its footprint through strategic engagements with local communities. The initiative, for example, engaged with police officers in Moradabad in Western Uttar Pradesh, facilitating 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.' Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson, NCW said at the launch. Those behind the initiative say that Yashoda AI aims to ensure that women are not just beneficiaries of the digital revolution but active contributors to it. The goal is to democratise access to AI knowledge and create an ecosystem where everyone has a voice in shaping technological futures. 'Yashoda AI is not just about decoding artificial intelligence for the grassroots. It is about reclaiming agency in a digital age. We believe that ethical AI must begin with inclusive awareness, and that means building understanding from the ground up,' Sagar Vishnoi, Director, Future Shift Labs, told LiveMint 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 is carefully curated to blend accessibility with depth, making learning actionable and transformative. AI Passport and AI Literacy Toolkit are two significant tools under Yashoda AI. The AI Digital Passport, available as a booklet in Hindi language, is a personalised tool designed to help women track their progress and achievements while using various AI-powered applications. The AI Digital Passport, available as a booklet in Hindi language, is a personalised tool designed to help women track their progress and achievements while using various AI-powered applications. AI Passport supports learning across tasks such as everyday assistance with ChatGPT and Google Gemini, research with ChatPDF and Notion AI, creativity with Canva AI, and organisation with It also takes you through modern tools in vernacular languages such as Krutrim, Anuvadini, to name a few. This initiative empowers women to take charge of their digital journeys, fostering inclusive skill development and helping them navigate the evolving digital world safely and effectively. The AI Literacy Toolkit is a resource designed to help women understand how artificial intelligence impacts their digital lives, focusing on both its benefits and potential harms. The toolkit, also in Hindi, educates users on online safety, including issues like stalking, impersonation, cyberbullying, and data privacy. The toolkit provides practical advice on using AI responsibly, identifying fake profiles, and protecting personal information. It also informs women about their rights and the legal steps they can take in case of cyber abuse. The AI Literacy Toolkit is a resource designed to help women understand how artificial intelligence impacts their digital lives, focusing on both its benefits and potential harms. Developed with support from the NCW, the toolkit aims to empower women to navigate digital spaces confidently and safely. Yashoda AI reflects Viksit Bharat's aspirations. 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. Yashoda AI is unique due to its grassroots-first approach to AI and it moves beyond the confines of elite tech discourse and actively engages those who are often excluded from digital narratives. By embedding gender equity, content localisation, and context-specific governance insights, the program teaches AI and reimagines it through the lens of social justice.
Hans India
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
NCW organises AI training programme for women in Jodhpur
The National Commission for Women (NCW) organised an AI training programme in Jodhpur in which hundreds of women participants took part, an official said on Sunday. "The objective of Yashoda AI is to digitally empower women," said an official in a post on the social media platform X. Yashoda AI, also known as "Your AI SAKHI for Shaping Horizons with Digital Awareness," is a nationwide campaign by the NCW that empowers women, particularly those in rural and semi-urban areas, with digital and AI literacy, cybersecurity skills, and digital safety. According to the NCW, the programme focuses on providing training in local languages to ensure accessibility and promote women's participation in a technology-driven future. Earlier on Saturday, NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar held a meeting with administrative and police officials of eight districts of the Jodhpur division and officials from various departments to review the progress of women and child rights, laws, and schemes. She said in a post on X that some important topics discussed in the meeting included a review of more than 10 schemes related to women. She said the discussion emphasised on making schemes like 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao', 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana', 'Standup India', Lakhpati Didi, Maternal Health Scheme, eliminating female dropouts in education, skill development, self-help groups, women entrepreneurship, digital education, and services, more effective. The NCW chairperson also highlighted delays in police reports – leading to delays in grievance redressal. The need for an updated database of all police officers and helpline officials, to ensure effective communication and coordination, was also highlighted, she said. Emphasis was also laid on awareness programmes on various topics, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) enacted to protect children from sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography, she said. Effective implementation of 'One Stop Centre' - intended to support women affected by violence - and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana were also taken up for discussion, said Rahatkar. She said the officials were sensitised to ensure the benefits of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana reach the last mile with the cooperation of public representatives. She said protection officers and local committees should work in coordination with the police administration. The officials were also asked to initiate Pre-Marital Communication Centres, review cases related to heinous crimes against women, such as dowry, rape, and cybercrime and strengthen women's police stations. The need to appoint trained counsellors and arrangement of proper infrastructure was also stressed, she said.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
NCW chairperson meets Gujarat chief minister, DGP on Day 1 of her visit
Gandhinagar: National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar began her two-day visit to Gujarat on Thursday. She paid a courtesy visit to chief minister Bhupendra Patel and held a review meeting with DGP Vikas Sahay and top police officers at the Police Bhavan. Rahatkar participated in an interaction with women entrepreneurs at the EDII campus and inaugurated the Yashoda AI training programme. She then met with the DGP and other top police officers to review the status of crimes against women in the state. She also conducted a review meeting with the chief secretary and other senior officers on the implementation of the POSH Act in the state and the status of training of local committee members in eight districts of central Gujarat. Later in the day, the NCW chairperson also presided over a public hearing under the 'Rashtriya Mahila Aayog Aapke Dwar' campaign. Later in the evening, Rahatkar also presided over a 'Sashakta Naari Samvad' at Gandhinagar. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad On Friday, the NCW chairperson will visit Banaskantha district in north Gujarat, where she will participate in a training programme for women and will also inaugurate the Yashoda AI training programme in Palanpur.
Hans India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
First-of-its-kind AI literacy drive for women
The programme goes beyond traditional learning by hosting in-depth discussions on critical issues such as AI-driven crimes, digital privacy, and practical safety strategies. Actively engaging students, educators, and women from the police force, Yashoda AI Abhiyan sets a new standard for community-driven digital education, ensuring that women are not only participants but leaders in shaping India's tech-savvy future The launch of 'Yashoda AI—Your AI Sakhi' for shaping horizons with digital awareness to advance women's AI literacy across India, took place at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly. This initiative is a key step toward empowering women to contribute meaningfully to a Viksit Bharat driven by technology and inclusion. Led by the National Commission for Women (NCW), the Yashoda AI Abhiyan stands as India's pioneering nationwide effort to empower women—especially from rural and semi-urban communities—with essential skills in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital safety. More than just a training initiative, this campaign is designed to spark a transformation: it equips women with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the digital world with confidence, fostering digital literacy, safety, and self-reliance. The program goes beyond traditional learning by hosting in-depth discussions on critical issues such as AI-driven crimes, digital privacy, and practical safety strategies. Actively engaging students, educators, and women from the police force, Yashoda AI Abhiyan sets a new standard for community-driven digital education, ensuring that women are not only participants but leaders in shaping India's tech-savvy future. Building on India's bold step toward AI leadership at the Global Summit on AI Governance in Paris, Yashoda AI reflects the nation's commitment to inclusive digital empowerment. It marks a decisive move towards Viksit Bharat, ensuring that women across India are not left behind in the AI-driven future. Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of women-led development and a Viksit Bharat, the Yashoda AI Abhiyan is a decisive step towards building an inclusive, technologically empowered India. At the Global Summit on AI Governance in Paris, Prime Minister Modi emphasized India's commitment to inclusive, responsible AI that builds trust and serves the most vulnerable. Yashoda AI embodies this vision by empowering women to lead in the digital age. In Viksit Bharat, technology must be a tool for inclusion, not exclusion. Speaking at the launch event, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said, 'True change begins when a woman masters the tools of the future. Yashoda AI Abhiyan is not just about learning technology it is about igniting confidence, enabling informed choices, and empowering every woman to shape a secure and inclusive digital tomorrow.' She reiterated NCW's strong commitment to protecting women's rights in digital spaces, adding that this campaign is a natural extension of NCW's work in the areas of cyber awareness, gender justice, and women-led safety innovations. The Commission has been a forerunner in running multiple digital safety campaigns, helplines, and policy dialogues addressing online abuse and tech-based discrimination. Yashoda AI is a sole initiative of the National Commission for Women (NCW) in collaboration with Future Shift Labs (FSL). Nitin Narang, Founder of FSL, highlighted the campaign's broader vision, saying, 'This is not just about AI literacy, it is about inclusion, dignity, and digital empowerment for India's women—key pillars for building a Viksit Bharat.' The launch event also featured remarks from the Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Sagar Vishnoi, Co-founder and Director of FSL, and Pranav Dwivedi, Convener Yashoda AI, who collectively emphasized the importance of digital empowerment and women's leadership in India's AI journey. Their messages were powerfully echoed by the presence of dignitaries from the National Commission for Women — Ramawtar Singh, Shivani Dey, and Santosh Kulkarni — whose support underscored the need for equity and representation of women in every step of India's technological journey.
