More than 270 women across Leicester have developed new digital skills, explored Artificial Intelligence (AI) and gained confidence in using technology through the Grow Digital AI for Women programme, delivered by Grow and funded through AKG UK’s Community Investment Fund.
Working alongside trusted community organisations including Shama Women’s Centre, Peepul Centre, APANPAN CIC, Wesley Hall Community Centre and others, the programme was designed to make AI accessible, practical and relevant to everyday life.
For many participants, this wasn’t just about learning a new technology. It was about building confidence, discovering new opportunities and developing skills that can support work, learning and family life.
The achievements of participants were recently celebrated at the Grow Digital Celebration Event in Leicester, where women, community partners and supporters came together to recognise the impact the programme has made.
From Uncertainty to Confidence
Many women joined the programme feeling unsure about AI and whether it was something they could use.
Fathima, who attended Grow Digital workshops hosted at Shama Women’s Centre, admitted she was initially sceptical.
“I was someone who was quite reluctant to use it. I used to think people are becoming lazy.”
After attending the sessions, her view changed completely.
“When I went, I realised it’s not someone who’s lazy who uses it, it’s someone who’s smart. If you take advantage of it, it can work to your advantage. It can actually help in your personal as well as your professional development.”
She described the programme as:
“Really like an eye-opener.”
For many participants, AI went from being something unfamiliar and intimidating to a practical tool they could use every day.
Practical Skills for Everyday Life
One of the strengths of the programme was its focus on real-life applications.
Participants learned how AI could support job searching, CV writing, communication, planning, language learning, online safety and even helping children with their homework.
Fathima particularly valued how practical the sessions were.
“I really enjoyed how the Kaneez made it practical to every person’s need. For someone who’s looking for a job, someone who wants to cook, someone who wants to learn a language, or someone who doesn’t speak much English.”
As a mother of two young children, she was surprised by how AI could support learning at home.
“She showed us how AI can help teach Year 1 and Year 2 children about addition like a teacher.”
Participants also learned how to use AI safely and effectively, understanding both its benefits and limitations.
“Use it to your advantage but don’t let it use you.”
That message became one of the key themes of the programme.
Supporting Women Into Work
The programme also helped women strengthen their employability skills and digital confidence.
Shital, who joined a Grow Digital workshop through the Peepul Centre, had previously completed a degree in Computer Engineering in India but wanted to understand how new technologies were being used in the UK.
She said:
“Nowadays in everything, you need AI.”
The workshops helped participants understand how AI could support job applications, improve writing skills and build confidence using digital tools.
Fathima, who was made redundant earlier this year, found the sessions particularly useful while updating her CV and searching for work.
“I liked how I could use my transferable skills as a mum, take the knowledge and expertise from other fields and apply it to the job that I’m applying for.”
For many women, the programme provided an opportunity to develop skills that are becoming increasingly important in today’s workplace.
The Power of Community Partnerships
A key factor in the success of Grow Digital was the collaboration between Grow and trusted community organisations across Leicester. By working with organisations that already had strong relationships within their communities, the programme was able to reach women who may not otherwise have engaged with digital skills training.
Reflecting on the partnership, Aura Chacón, Active Women Coordinator, said:
“Through the collaboration with Grow Get Ready for Work we were able to upskill participants who took part in the AI Workshop. We place high value in partnership working, bringing resources and expertise to the Active Women project from organisations such as yours, which plays a crucial part in our commitment to sustainability and community development.”
She added:
“Kaneez was able to engage genuinely with the women and made a long-lasting impression for them to continue their personal development and make the most of the AI technology available to them.”
Kaneez Fatima MIEP, who delivered the programme on behalf of Grow, said:
“This achievement would not have been possible without the support, trust and collaboration of our community partners.”
“The Grow project delivered by Belina Grow CIC and funded by AKG UK has truly made a positive difference in many lives.”
The impact of the programme was celebrated at the Grow Digital Celebration Event in Leicester, where participants, partners and supporters came together to recognise the achievements of more than 270 women who took part.
Speaking after the event, Joanne Van AIEP, Social Impact Manager at AKG UK, said:
“It was a wonderful event, a real celebration. Thank you for the amazing work you have done on this project.”
Partners consistently highlighted the enthusiasm of participants and the supportive learning environment created through the programme. One community partner described seeing women move:
“From hesitation around technology to confidence and practical use of AI in their everyday work.”
Another reflected:
“The energy in the room, the conversations and the willingness to learn was amazing.”
As one partner summed up following an AI workshop:
“We gathered to connect, share and grow, enjoying useful AI sessions, meaningful conversations and so much love in the room. It was a space to uplift one another, learn together and simply be present.”
Celebrating Success
The Grow Digital Celebration Event brought together participants, community leaders, partners and supporters to recognise the achievements of women who completed the programme.
Hosted by Shama Women’s Centre, the event celebrated not only the women who had gained new digital skills, but also the partnerships that helped make the project possible.
Attendees included representatives from AKG UK, community organisations, local leaders and programme supporters who came together to celebrate the impact Grow Digital has made across Leicester.
Looking Ahead
As technology continues to evolve, digital confidence is becoming increasingly important in everyday life and work.
The Grow Digital AI for Women programme has shown that with the right support, women from all backgrounds can build confidence, learn new skills and embrace technology in ways that work for them.
For more than 270 women, the programme was about much more than AI. It was about confidence and opportunity and ensuring that women have the skills, knowledge and support they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.