AI for HER 2.0 Summit Expands Women's Access to Practical AI and Digital Skills
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape how people work, build careers, and run businesses, the need for inclusive participation in the digital economy has become increasingly critical. In response to this transformative shift, Abiodun Emiola Alabi, Digital Product Lead and AI Systems Strategist, convened the second edition of the AI for HER Summit. This three-day virtual program was specifically designed to equip women with practical knowledge on how artificial intelligence can be applied meaningfully within everyday professional and business contexts.
Bridging the Gap in AI Education for Women
Held as part of activities commemorating Women's Month, the AI for HER Summit 2.0 focused on helping participants move beyond mere curiosity about artificial intelligence to a practical understanding of how these technologies are already influencing productivity, career pathways, and workplace systems. Artificial intelligence is no longer limited to technical professionals; it increasingly influences how individuals communicate, make decisions, manage workflows, and position themselves for emerging opportunities.
However, many professionals, particularly women navigating career transitions, entrepreneurship, or changing workplace expectations, often lack clear, structured guidance on how to approach AI in a responsible and practical way. The AI for HER initiative was created to address this gap by simplifying complex technology concepts and translating them into relatable, real-world applications.
Diverse Participation and Expert Insights
The summit brought together women from diverse professional backgrounds, including business owners, administrators, consultants, career returners, and early-career professionals, all seeking clarity on how AI can support their relevance and confidence in a rapidly evolving world of work. Speaking during the program, Abiodun emphasised the importance of ensuring that women are not left behind as technological transformation accelerates across industries.
"Artificial intelligence is already influencing how work is structured and how decisions are made. It is important that women are not only aware of these changes, but are equipped with practical understanding on how to apply these tools in ways that support their growth and productivity," she said.
Comprehensive Curriculum and Practical Tools
The three-day virtual event covered themes including AI awareness, workplace productivity, digital workflow thinking, and responsible AI adoption. Participants were introduced to practical frameworks that help them approach AI in a structured way, without requiring technical backgrounds. The summit featured expert contributions, including Associate Professor of AI Systems and Nigeria Country Leader for Women in AI, Dr. Sakinat Folorunso, who spoke on the importance of helping individuals move from curiosity to capability in their AI journey. Her session emphasised the need for inclusive participation in the development and responsible use of artificial intelligence.
As part of the program, participants were given the opportunity to engage with FeatFinderAI, a platform developed by the convener to support professionals navigating the changing nature of work. FeatFinderAI is an AI-powered career transition and workforce readiness platform designed to address "AI anxiety" by helping professionals evaluate their preparedness for the evolving digital economy.
Addressing AI Anxiety with Innovative Solutions
The platform combines a structured AI readiness diagnostic with an intelligent role-mapping system that identifies high-value AI-augmented career pathways based on an individual's existing professional experience. By providing practical guidance on how existing skills can evolve alongside artificial intelligence, the platform supports professionals in positioning themselves for emerging opportunities rather than feeling displaced by technological change.
This initiative underscores a growing recognition that as AI becomes more integrated into various sectors, ensuring equitable access to education and tools is essential for fostering a diverse and resilient workforce. The AI for HER Summit 2.0 represents a significant step toward empowering women to not only adapt to technological advancements but to actively shape their future in the digital economy.
