AI Skills 4 Women 2026: Free Program Launched with Microsoft

🎯 Impact Sentiment: Positive

📋 Summary

• Founderz and Microsoft launched the 2026 edition of AI Skills 4 Women, a free online program in 13+ languages.
• The prior 2025 edition trained over 57,000 women across 30 countries and produced 600+ AI projects.
• Women represent only 22% of AI professionals globally; the program aims to close the gender gap.
• 150 participants from 2025 received full scholarships to continue advanced AI training.

💡 JR Insights

• 💼 Implication: Structured free programs offer a low-cost entry path into AI careers for underrepresented groups.
• 🚨 Risk: Gender gaps in AI roles may widen further without proactive reskilling.
• ✨ Takeaway: Women entering or pivoting into tech should enroll early—prior cohorts filled quickly.