When Fathima joined the Grow Digital AI workshops in Leicester, she wasn’t sure what to expect.
Delivered by Grow and funded through AKG UK’s Community Investment Fund, the programme was designed to help women build confidence in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and understand how digital tools can support everyday life, learning and employment. The workshops were hosted at Shama Women’s Centre and brought together women from across the local community to explore AI in a practical and accessible way.
Like many people, Fathima had heard a lot about AI but wasn’t convinced it was something she needed.
“I was someone who was quite reluctant to use it. I used to think people are becoming lazy. They don’t want to put in the hard work. They’re trying to have a shortcut doing CVs or personal statements.”
After receiving information about the workshops through Shama Women’s Centre, Fathima decided to give it a try.
“I thought, OK, I haven’t looked into it, I haven’t used it, so I’ll go and see what it’s all about.”
What she discovered completely changed her perspective.
“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.”
Fathima particularly appreciated the practical approach taken during the sessions.
“I liked when Kaneez said, ‘Use it to your advantage but don’t let it use you.'”
She explained that the workshops helped her understand both the benefits and limitations of AI.
“It only does what you instruct. It’s as clever as what you ask.”
As someone currently looking for work after being made redundant in January, Fathima found the sessions especially useful when updating her CV and applying for jobs.
“I haven’t had to use a CV for some time. Now when I had to update it, 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.”
The workshops also introduced her to practical tools she can use every day.
“She makes it very simple. Don’t overcomplicate it. Just give a key instruction about what you want.”
One example that particularly stood out was using AI to help plan meals.
“If you’re lost with ideas about what to do, just tell it what you’ve got in the fridge and ask AI to suggest a menu for the day.”
For Fathima, one of the biggest surprises was discovering just how many different ways AI can be used.
“I really enjoyed how Grow’s 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 can also see how AI could help support learning at home.
“I’ve got young kids. My youngest is six and I have a nine-year-old. Kaneez showed us how AI can help teach Year 1 and Year 2 children about addition like a teacher.”
Looking back on the experience, Fathima describes the workshops as an eye-opener.
“I was so wrong. I think it’s a smart way to do things, but we should always make sure that we are in control and that we use it wisely.”
She added:
“I found it really like an eye-opener.”
Earlier this week, Fathima attended the Grow Digital Celebration Event in Leicester, where participants came together to celebrate their achievements and receive certificates recognising their learning.
Fathima was one of more than 270 women who took part in the Grow Digital AI for Women programme. Through Grow’s partnership with community organisations across Leicester and Leicestershire, the programme has helped women build digital confidence, develop new skills and explore practical ways of using AI in everyday life, learning and work.
