AI Skills 4 Women: Complimentary AI Training For Women In The Adriatic Region Offered By Founderz And Microsoft

AI Skills 4 Women: Empowering Women in Artificial Intelligence

Introduction to the Initiative

Microsoft, in collaboration with Founderz, has introduced the AI Skills 4 Women program, aimed at closing the gender gap in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The program is designed to provide free AI training to women across the EMEA region, which includes countries like Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia. This initiative is part of a greater commitment to promote diversity in technology and ensure that AI development reflects the voices of various communities.

Addressing Gender Imbalance in AI

Currently, women make up only 22% of AI professionals, 12% of AI researchers, and 16% of AI faculty. This significant gender disparity poses challenges for the industry, as diverse perspectives are crucial for developing effective AI solutions. AI Skills 4 Women aims to change this by offering women high-quality education in AI, no matter their previous experience in technology.

What the Program Offers

The AI Skills 4 Women program offers an engaging and supportive learning environment with several key components:

Free Training for All Levels: The course is designed for women of all skill levels, making it accessible even to those without a technical background.
Courses Led by Industry Experts: Participants will learn from leading AI professionals who are actively shaping the field and can provide real-world insights.
Scholarships for Continued Education: Up to 150 scholarships will be available for the top-performing participants, allowing them to further their knowledge in AI.

By removing the financial barrier and providing a comprehensive learning experience, AI Skills 4 Women encourages women to explore careers in the AI sector. This initiative not only aims to boost individual careers but also seeks to contribute to a more inclusive technological landscape.

Regional Initiatives to Enhance AI Skills

In addition to AI Skills 4 Women, Microsoft is active in other regional initiatives aimed at enhancing AI skills in the Adriatic region. For example:

Reimagine Content Creation with AI: This session was designed for content creators to improve their skills in producing engaging, data-driven material through AI tools.
Women in AI Hackathon: In partnership with Ubitech, this event gathered talented women from Southeast Europe to devise AI-driven solutions that focus on women’s well-being. Participants from several countries collaborated on innovative projects that highlight AI’s potential to effect positive social change.

Voices from the Industry

Kalin Dimtchev, Microsoft Country Manager for Adriatic, emphasized the importance of diverse teams in AI development. He stated, “Our mission is to democratize AI knowledge and empower professionals across all industries to harness AI effectively. In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, AI skills are essential for success.” Through initiatives like AI Skills 4 Women, Microsoft aims to equip women with the necessary expertise to play a vital role in the AI revolution.

Similarly, Anna Cejudo, co-CEO and co-founder of Founderz, expressed the organization’s commitment to inclusivity in AI. “We are at a turning point in AI, and we cannot afford to leave women behind. This program aims to give women the tools, knowledge, and confidence to lead in AI,” she explained.