MSDE and Microsoft Launch ‘AI Careers for Women’

In a groundbreaking initiative to promote gender inclusivity in the technology sector, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has joined hands with Microsoft to launch ‘AI Careers for Women’. This strategic partnership aims to empower 20,000 women from Tier-II and Tier-III towns in six Indian states with industry-relevant Artificial Intelligence (AI) training. The program emphasizes not just skilling, but leadership, innovation, and career opportunities in AI, ensuring that women from underrepresented areas become future tech leaders and entrepreneurs.

Key Highlights of the ‘AI Careers for Women’ Initiative

Objective

• To bridge the gender gap in AI and emerging technologies.
• To empower women for careers and leadership in India’s digital economy.

Launched By

• MSDE (Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship)
• In collaboration with Microsoft

Target Beneficiaries

• 20,000 women learners
• Focused on Tier-II and Tier-III towns
• Spread across six Indian states

Program Duration and Content

• 240-hour AI training curriculum
• Developed with NCVET (National Council for Vocational Education and Training) for industry alignment

Training Delivery Model

• Hub-and-Spoke model
• 30 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in women’s institutions (hub)
• 150 spoke centers in partner colleges

Components include

• Technical training
• Hands-on AI tools
• Real-world projects
• Internships
• Career guidance
• Job opportunities

Implementing Partner

• Edunet Foundation
• Academic Integration:
• AI training to be aligned with university credit systems
• Supports interdisciplinary learning as per the National Education Policy (NEP)

Core Focus Areas

• Inclusive economic growth
• Rural and underrepresented women empowerment
• Entrepreneurship and innovation using AI

Notable Statements

Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State, MSDE

• “Empowering young women with in-demand digital skills will not only transform individual careers but also accelerate the nation’s journey toward a more equitable and innovation-driven economy.”

Aparna Gupta, Microsoft India

• “Equitable access to AI skills is crucial for inclusive economic growth.”