Robert Gordon University (RGU) is spearheading a research initiative to promote gender equality in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and entrepreneurship through an inclusive program for women in South Africa.
Her-AI-Path: Innovating Women through AI-preneurship aims to help women overcome key barriers in accessing vital business resources, including technical knowledge and skills, which often deter them from STEM fields.
With nearly £25,000 in funding from The British Council, the project seeks to empower women from diverse backgrounds to launch successful businesses.
The initiative is a collaboration with the Gordon Institute of Business and Science at the University of Pretoria, Mobile Applications Laboratory, and Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Dr. Poh Yen Ng from RGU’s Aberdeen Business School said: “Gender inequality in education and technology is a persisting challenge. We need to advance gender equality by inspiring young females and women to excel in AI and entrepreneurship, and encouraging equal gender representation in STEM fields.
“The inclusive and comprehensive staged workshops will establish a level playing field for women to engage in AI-driven innovations and entrepreneurship actively. Equipping women with the right skills and competence will undoubtedly bring transformative change. Through implementing the workshops, we hope to see changes in self-efficacy and entrepreneurial mindset among the young females and women.”
The project focuses on five key objectives:
- Providing women with essential technical and business skills for AI-driven innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Inspiring women to pursue AI-preneurship and lead tech innovation and high-value businesses.
- Reaching underprivileged communities to help women build successful businesses and boost economic growth.
- Strengthening research capacity and knowledge exchange to support women in AI and entrepreneurship.
- Raising awareness about gender equality and challenges faced by minority genders in disadvantaged areas.
This initiative aims to break down systemic barriers and create opportunities for women to thrive in AI and entrepreneurship, fostering a more inclusive society.
RGU will host 10 workshops across five South African townships, with a launch event on Monday, 14 April, at the Gordon Institute of Business and Science. The event will be livestreamed, and registration is open via: https://forms.office.com/e/Hxwwungyd8.
