NCW Launches Yashoda AI to Boost Women’s AI and Cybersecurity Skills

The National Commission for Women (NCW) launched ‘Yashoda AI: Your AI SAKHI’ on May 22, 2025, at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly. This groundbreaking initiative aims to enhance AI literacy, cybersecurity knowledge, and digital safety awareness among women, particularly those from rural and semi-urban areas. Yashoda AI aspires to empower women to lead India’s technological future, ensuring their active participation and leadership in the digital age.

Why in News?

With India’s increasing reliance on technology and digital platforms, the need to include women, especially from underserved communities, in AI and cybersecurity education is more critical than ever. The launch of Yashoda AI reflects NCW’s commitment to bridging the gender digital divide and addressing emerging challenges like AI-driven crimes and digital privacy threats. This initiative comes at a time when cyber safety and digital literacy are vital for inclusive and secure growth in India’s evolving tech ecosystem.

Aim

• To empower women with essential skills in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Digital Safety, enabling them to contribute to a tech-driven and inclusive India.

Objectives

• Increase AI literacy and digital awareness among women, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
• Provide practical knowledge on cyber safety, digital privacy, and AI-related crimes.
• Encourage women to take leadership roles in digital education and safety.
• Engage students, educators, and women professionals including those in the police force for holistic community-driven learning.

Background

• The National Commission for Women (NCW) is India’s statutory body dedicated to protecting and promoting women’s rights.
• Digital inclusion and cyber safety have become major focus areas for NCW amid the rising number of cybercrimes against women.
• Yashoda AI is launched in collaboration with Future Shift Labs (FSL), a tech education organization.
• The program emphasizes community participation and leadership to make digital learning relevant and impactful for women.

Key Features

• Official launch on May 22, 2025, at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly.
• Focus on AI literacy, Cybersecurity training, and digital safety strategies.
• Workshops and discussions on AI-driven crimes and digital privacy concerns.
• Active involvement of women from diverse sectors including academia and law enforcement.
• Community-driven educational approach ensuring women not only learn but lead digital initiatives.

Significance

• Yashoda AI represents a vital step in India’s efforts to bridge the gender gap in technology. By focusing on AI and cybersecurity, it equips women to protect themselves and others in digital spaces while contributing to India’s vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
• The initiative fosters an inclusive digital culture where women are empowered as creators, leaders, and innovators in the fast-evolving technological landscape.