Pune: Women must use AI as a tool for economic empowerment, National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said to the entrepreneurs at YASHODA AI 2.0 programme hosted by Vishwakarma University on Friday.The programme, organised by the NCW at the university’s Kondhwa campus, brought together women from self- help groups, academicians, educators, professionals and members of the social sector to promote AI literacy and digital skills among women. The initiative is part of the commission’s nationwide campaign to prepare women for opportunities in the digital economy.Rahatkar said women should become active participants in India’s digital transformation rather than remain mere users of technology.“Digital empowerment is essential for women entrepreneurs. Self-help groups must leverage e-commerce platforms and AI to market, advertise and promote products, expand businesses, achieve economic self-reliance and contribute to the country’s GDP,” she said.Vishwakarma University vice-president Wasudeo Gade said the varsity was committed to women’s empowerment and ensured strong representation of women in academic leadership.“We have 63% women faculty members and five of our nine disciplines are headed by women. AI is unavoidable and women should use it for their development. We want to train self-help groups in marketing, advertising and quality assurance of products and services to help them reach wider markets,” Gade said.Experts from Mahavir Foundation conducted a technical session on the use of digital tools and online marketplaces to help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
