The world is changing fast and Grow is making sure no one gets left behind. Our new Grow Digital – AI for Women workshops, funded by AKG’s Community Investment Fund, are helping women in Leicester gain the digital confidence they need to thrive in everyday life and at work.
The first in-person session, led by Liz Sewell FIEP, took place this week at Shama Women’s Centre and brought together local women keen to understand how technology can support them, from using QR codes to exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can make life easier.
Building confidence through hands-on learning
Many of the women who attended were taking their first steps into the digital world. During the session, Kaneez guided participants through simple, practical activities such as scanning QR codes and completing digital forms, essential skills for everything from day to day activities to applying for jobs.
Once the basics were covered, the group explored how AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini can support them in everyday life. The women learned how to stay safe online, how to use effective prompts, and how AI can help with writing CVs, personal statements, and interview preparation. Importantly, the session also covered how to ensure that AI-generated information makes sense and remains authentic.
A starting point to continued learning
The 90-minute session marks the starting point for women who will go on to join Grow’s online learning community, where they can continue to develop their digital and employability skills at their own pace with guidance and support from the Grow team.
Outstanding feedback
Feedback from the session was overwhelmingly positive:
- 100% of participants said they would recommend the session to others.
- 100% reported that they found the session useful and had learned something new.
- 75% said they now understand how AI can be used in daily life.
- 25% said they had gained new insight into career opportunities in AI.
Comments highlighted that participants felt more confident and motivated after taking part.
Helping women understand how AI can support them
The Grow Digital AI for Women initiative is all about helping women understand how technology can support them, whether in their personal lives, as parents, or in their journey to employment. As Kaneez explained, “Many women told us they’d never scanned a QR code or filled in an online form before. Once they realised how easy it could be, their confidence grew. These are small steps, but they open up big opportunities.”
The sessions in Leicester are delivered in partnership with local community organisations including Shama Women’s Centre, People Centre, and Womentum at the Bangladeshi Youth and Cultural Society.
Supporting women to use AI safely and effectively
AI is changing our world, and at Grow we want to make sure the women we support to get ready for work can take advantage of its possibilities, while understanding how to use it safely. This project is a perfect example of community outreach at its best, empowering women to build digital confidence, explore new opportunities, and shape their futures.
Thanks to the AKG UK Community Investment Fund for recognising how important this work is and helping make it possible.
The Grow Digital Workshop takes place in Leicester for our Leicester participants but Grow also hold an AI Workshop online every Tuesday presented by Grow’s Liz Sewell FIEP for participants across our London programmes. Register on the Grow App.