How Nimaya is Preparing Women to Lead in AI

According to global talent firm Randstad’s Workmonitor report on AI & Equity, the vast majority of workers who say they’re skilled in AI are men at 71%, while women with AI skills stand at 29%, indicating a 42 percentage point gender gap.

Upskilling women, especially those from non-metro regions, does more than diversify the talent pool. It broadens the innovation lens, bringing in perspectives that tech teams often overlook. 

Addressing this imbalance is Nimaya, a non-profit organisation quietly equipping women with the skills, confidence, and leadership capabilities required to excel in AI-driven industries.

In a podcast with AIM, Nimaya co-founders Navya Nanda and Samyak Chakrabarty talked about their vision to bridge the gender gap in technology through structured programs that combine technical training, mentorship, and real-world exposure. 

“Our goal is to create an environment where women are not just participants in AI but are leading innovation and decision-making,” said Nanda. “We believe that diverse perspectives are essential to designing AI solutions that are ethical, inclusive, and impactful,” she added. 

Building Skills Beyond Coding

While many tech programs focus solely on coding and algorithmic skills, Nimaya takes a broader approach. Its curriculum integrates AI fundamentals with hands-on projects, data analytics, machine learning, and ethical AI practices. 

Women enrolled in the program work on real-life AI applications, ranging from predictive analytics to natural language processing, allowing them to experience the end-to-end process of AI development.

“We wanted to go beyond just teaching technical skills. Leadership, problem-solving, and strategic thinking are equally important,” said Chakrabarty. 

One of Nimaya’s distinguishing features is its mentorship program. Participants are paired with industry leaders, including AI researchers, data scientists, and executives, who provide guidance on career paths, technical challenges, and personal development. This mentorship helps participants envision themselves in high-impact roles, and gain the confidence to pursue ambitious goals.

“Having a mentor who believes in you can completely change the trajectory of your career,” said Chakrabarty, adding that their focus is on inculcating leadership, beyond imparting AI training. 

Mentorship also extends to collaborative projects where women work in teams to solve real-world AI problems. 

Creating Opportunities in the AI Ecosystem

Nimaya actively partners with tech companies, startups, and research institutions to create internship and placement opportunities for its participants. These collaborations ensure that women not only acquire knowledge, but also gain meaningful industry experience. By integrating classroom learning with professional exposure, Nimaya helps participants transition smoothly into AI careers.

“We want our participants to leave the program with not just skills, but opportunities to lead,” Nanda said. “This approach ensures that women can make tangible contributions to AI innovation from day one.”

The program has already seen success stories across various sectors. From fintech to healthcare AI, Nimaya-trained women have contributed to building algorithms, designing ethical AI frameworks, and leading AI-powered product initiatives. 

Nimaya’s work is not limited to training; it also actively advocates for gender diversity in AI. Through workshops, webinars, and conferences, the initiative highlights the importance of including women in AI decision-making roles. It also engages with policymakers and industry leaders to promote inclusive hiring practices.

“Diversity is not just a moral imperative, it’s an innovation imperative,” Nanda emphasised. 

She further added that studies have consistently shown that diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones, particularly in complex problem-solving scenarios such as AI design and implementation. 

Talking to AIM on the subject, Arppna Mehra, VP human resource, Honeywell India, mentioned, “India’s next big leap in AI won’t come only from flagship tech hubs. It’s already taking shape in smaller cities where young women are picking up real, industry-ready skills.”

For Nimaya, plans are underway to expand its programs across multiple cities, and to partner with global tech firms to offer specialised tracks in emerging AI domains such as generative AI, autonomous systems, and ethical AI governance. 

The initiative aims to create a pipeline of women who are ready to take on high-impact roles and drive innovation in AI on a global scale.

With the right partnerships to scale this momentum, India has the potential to unlock a new generation of AI builders who won’t merely fill roles, but redefine the boundaries of what the industry believes is possible.

“The future of AI must be inclusive. Women should not be the exception; they should be the norm,” Nanda concluded. “Through Nimaya, we are committed to ensuring that women are at the forefront of AI leadership.”

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