We created this innovation to address a growing digital divide that disproportionately impacts underprivileged women. In France, 70% of workers in sectors highly exposed to automation are women. Less than 22% of AI professionals globally are women, and 40% of unemployed women in France are low-skilled, making them highly vulnerable in the face of accelerating AI-driven changes in the job market.
At DesCodeuses, we recognize the urgency: 97 million new roles related to AI, data, and digital skills will emerge by 2030 (WEF, 2023). Without accessible entry points, marginalized populations, particularly young women from working-class backgrounds, will be left behind.
Since 2018, we have trained over 1,600 women in digital skills, leading to a 40% income increase and an 85% employment rate among program graduates. Building on this impact, we created AI Empowerment Workshops to help young women understand AI, its societal implications, and its career potential. These workshops foster critical thinking, creative independence, and AI literacy, transforming digital consumers into digital creators.
We are committed to ensuring equitable access to knowledge and opportunity. Our workshops are co-designed with and for women, reflect their lived realities, and provide a safe, collaborative environment that fosters confidence, purpose, and long-term employability.
Vibe AI is short-format, high-impact sessions delivered in-person and online. They are integrated into DesCodeuses’ broader pre-training bootcamps and awareness programs targeting underprivileged young women (16-25) across France.
It's a 5-module course :
Introduction to AI : Explore the fundamental concepts of machine learning and discover the potential of generative AI tools;
Maximizing productivity with AI tools : Understand the key role of humans in the practical use of AI in the workplace;
The art of the prompt : Explore techniques for writing clear, specific prompts for a variety of work-related uses;
Responsible use of AI : What are the key elements of responsible AI use?
Staying one step ahead of AI : How can we prepare for the future of AI?
2 possible training paths :
6-weeks course : Recommended for novice learners or for those with limited availability, to accommodate structural barriers and offer greater flexibility in learning.
2-days Bootcamp: Recommended for a more autonomous audience
Our pedagogical approach is inclusive, accessible, and culturally relevant. We deliver sessions in partnership with local schools, community centers, and youth employment hubs. Each cohort is supported through peer groups, mentorship, and individualized guidance.
The workshops are also a gateway : participants are invited to pursue further learning through DesCodeuses’ training, free e-learning platforms (IBM SkillsBuild, Coursera…), or partner training programs.
Our AI Empowerment Workshops are launching in 2025, with the goal of reaching 250 underprivileged young women in the first year. We are beginning implementation in Lyon, but the program is designed for national expansion through our network of DesCodeuses hubs across France. These regional antennas will allow us to replicate the model locally, while adapting to each territory’s specific needs and opportunities.
Our growth strategy is based on a strong national ecosystem of partners. We are conducting a strategic mapping of organizations that support unemployed and underprivileged youth, including:
Public partners
Nonprofit networks focused on social inclusion
Training providers
In each region, our objective is to secure at least three key partners to:
Identify and recruit participants
Host local sessions
Offer follow-up guidance and support
To ensure broad access, we are also leveraging digital tools to create a nationwide sourcing pipeline, including targeted outreach campaigns, pre-registration forms, and communication toolkits.
Crucially, some of the workshops will be made available online via Coursera, making the program accessible across the country and amplifying its potential for organic spread and inclusive participation. This blended model, combining local delivery with digital reach, allows us to scale both territorially and inclusively, building a sustainable foundation for AI literacy and career readiness across France.
Vibe AI is a free, beginner-friendly program for women aged 18–30 curious about Artificial Intelligence - no tech background needed, just a computer and internet connection.
How it works:
- Pre-register online via our website or through trusted partners (France Travail, local missions, youth services).
- Choose your format:
• In-person workshops in selected cities (starting with Lyon)
• Or a flexible, 6-week online course via Coursera (4h/week)
- Join the kickoff webinar to get onboarded and meet the team.
- Start learning: explore AI tools, responsible AI use, and prompt creation through hands-on activities solving real-world challenges.
- Connect & grow in a supportive community with peer exchange and tech mentorship.
- Get certified: complete short quizzes and earn a Coursera certificate issued by Google — a strong asset for your CV.
Bonus:
• 100% free
• Priority to women from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds
• Designed as a stepping stone into tech careers or further digital education
AI isn’t something to fear, it’s something you can learn to shape your future.
