The Yashoda AI Abhiyan is a nationwide initiative in India that aims to empower women, particularly those in rural and semi-urban areas, with essential skills in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and digital safety. Spearheaded by the National Commission for Women (NCW) in collaboration with Future Shift Labs (FSL), this campaign seeks to bridge the digital divide and promote AI literacy across underserved communities.
The Yashoda AI Abhiyan is more than just a training program; it's designed to be a transformative movement that equips women with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the digital world confidently. By fostering digital literacy, safety, and self-reliance, the initiative aims to ensure that women are not left behind in the rapidly evolving, AI-driven future. The program aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of women-led development and a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India), highlighting the importance of women's participation in the tech revolution for economic growth and social progress.
Since its launch in May 2025 at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, the Yashoda AI Abhiyan has conducted workshops reaching diverse groups, including rural women, first-time technology users, law enforcement personnel, and local leaders. The initiative 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, the Abhiyan sets a new standard for community-driven digital education, ensuring women are not just participants but leaders in shaping India's tech-savvy future.
The Yashoda AI Abhiyan reflects India's commitment to inclusive digital empowerment, building upon the country's efforts to promote responsible AI at the Global Summit on AI Governance in Paris. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar emphasized the importance of empowering women with the tools of the future, enabling them to make informed choices and shape a secure and inclusive digital tomorrow. Nitin Narang, Founder of FSL, stated that the campaign is about inclusion, dignity, and digital empowerment for India's women, which are key pillars for building a Viksit Bharat.
The program is designed to be inclusive, welcoming college students, members of Self Help Groups (SHGs), ASHA workers, teachers, and panchayat representatives. By targeting women from diverse backgrounds, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, the Yashoda AI Abhiyan ensures that no one is left behind in the digital revolution. The initiative aims to train over 200,000 women in its first phase, with a long-term goal of empowering 1 crore women across India. Through a dedicated mobile app and training programs, Yashoda AI equips women with practical knowledge in AI tools, cybersecurity, and digital literacy, delivered in local languages to ensure accessibility.