Serrala, a global leader in finance process automation, and The Hg Foundation, a charity dedicated to advancing tech education and skills, have announced a strategic partnership with the Rotary Club of Bibwewadi Pune. This collaboration, part of Rotary’s global network of 45,000 clubs, aims to enhance employment opportunities for disadvantaged young women by equipping them with emerging AI skills.
Many young women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in India face financial hardships, educational barriers, and career disruptions due to caregiving responsibilities and societal norms regarding employment after marriage. The gender gap in STEM education persists, with female students comprising only 40% of total enrolments in India. To address these challenges, the Rotary Club of Bibwewadi Pune has been running ‘Asmita’ for the past seven years. This initiative empowers girls and young women aged 12-20 through education and training in areas such as financial literacy, mental health, self-defence, communication, and female health. So far, more than 120,000 young women have benefited from Project Asmita.
With the rise of emerging technologies like generative AI, India’s key growth sectors are expected to generate approximately 2.73 million new tech jobs by 2028. To prepare young women for these opportunities, Serrala and The Hg Foundation are supporting the launch of ‘Asmita Nxt,’ a pilot programme that will provide specialized training in generative AI and prompt engineering skills.
Under this initiative, The Hg Foundation and Serrala have committed a combined grant of £55,000. This funding will enable 60 women to undertake a 20-week training programme at the Pune Institute of Computer Technology. Participants will receive laptops, access to essential programming tools, and hands-on instruction in generative AI using leading deep learning frameworks. The pilot programme aims to ensure that at least 60% of graduates secure employment upon completion, fostering greater inclusion in India’s evolving tech landscape.
“As leaders in finance automation, we know first hand the impact AI is having everywhere. That’s why we’re truly proud to support this initiative together with The Hg Foundation and Rotary Club Bibwewadi Pune, helping young women from disadvantaged backgrounds get the training they need to pursue careers in technology,” said Axel Rebien, CEO, at Serrala.
“We are delighted to join Serrala in supporting this programme with Rotary Club Bibwewadi Pune, enabling young women from disadvantaged backgrounds to upskill and prepare for emerging AI jobs. AI’s impact on the global labour market is already being felt, and this valuable initiative will ensure that the young women it supports are equipped for the future,” added Moritz Schwab, Principal at Hg Capital.
Of the partnership, Dr Prachi Pandya, Project Chairperson at Rotary Club of Bibwewadi Pune said, “at the Rotary Club of Bibwewadi Pune, we have always believed in empowering young women, who we call daughters, through meaningful initiatives. This new project, generously supported by The Hg Foundation and Serrala, will provide AI training that enhances employability, ensuring that daughters are equipped for the future workforce. By bridging the skill gap, we are not only creating opportunities but also fostering long-term economic and social empowerment."
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