The Women in AI Program
About the Project
The Women in AI Program was created to close the gender gap in artificial intelligence and technology by equipping young Nigerian women with practical skills, mentorship, and opportunities to lead in the AI ecosystem. The program provides an intensive six-month fellowship that combines technical training in Python, SQL, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and AI Ethics with soft skills in leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
Participants work on real-world projects addressing social challenges in health, education, agriculture, and women’s empowerment. The program culminates in an AI Hackathon, where fellows develop and showcase innovative, data-driven solutions with the potential for real impact. Through mentorship, career development support, and networking opportunities, fellows gain confidence, build professional networks, and position themselves as future leaders in Nigeria’s technology and innovation space.
Our Impact
- Trained 20 women from six Nigerian states, selected from over 250 applicants, in technical and professional AI skills.
- Achieved a 90% project completion rate, with fellows designing practical AI solutions in healthcare, education, agriculture, and gender equality.
- Hosted an AI Hackathon, where teams developed solutions such as AI-Maama (maternal health), CycleSense (women’s reproductive health), EduLine (AI tutoring for students), and FarmFit (agricultural resilience).
- Reached over 500 secondary school girls through community step-down training sessions on digital literacy and AI awareness.
- Empowered participants with confidence and leadership skills, with most reporting advanced competence and self-assurance by program end.
- Facilitated mentorship connections with AI professionals, resulting in improved career readiness and professional growth.
- Established a sustainable alumni network to foster continued mentorship, collaboration, and innovation among graduates.
- Received recognition from academia, government, and industry leaders for promoting gender inclusion and digital innovation in Nigeria.
Why It Matters
Artificial intelligence is shaping the future of work, innovation, and development, yet women remain significantly underrepresented in this field. The Women in AI Program addresses this imbalance by empowering women with technical knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills to participate meaningfully in the digital economy. By training and mentoring women to create AI solutions for real community challenges, the program promotes inclusive innovation, gender equality, and sustainable development. It ensures that women are not just consumers of technology but active contributors shaping the ethical, diverse, and equitable future of artificial intelligence in Nigeria and beyond.
