Making AI work for women micro-entrepreneurs: GCash and Connected Women equip 100 women with digital skills to uplift their businesses

The Philippines’ leading finance super app and largest cashless ecosystem GCash celebrated an important milestone in its advocacy of empowering women in technology. The first batch of scholars under the Elevate GAIL (Generative Artificial Intelligence Learning) program, implemented in partnership with Connected Women, has graduated, equipped with additional AI skills for their careers and businesses. 

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Almost 100 women, most of whom are entrepreneurs and freelancers, graduated from the Elevate GAIL program last July 12, Friday.​​ For a month, the women underwent training on basic AI principles and applications, as well as hands-on experience with Gen AI tools and techniques. 

GCash and Connected Women launched the Elevate GAIL program in April, with the shared mission of providing more opportunities for women in tech and unlocking their potential in terms of tech innovation.

“With the rise of the gig economy and remote work, more and more freelancers are embracing the potential of generative AI to enhance their productivity and earning potential,” said GCash Communications strategy head Rommin Diaz. “This is an opportunity and a space where we as GCash can really help and make an impact. It is our commitment to enable more women to pursue careers in tech and in STEM because women play a crucial role in developing solutions that benefit the society.”

“For sure, generative AI is just at the beginning and we’re going to see a lot of new changes and exciting developments. I’m confident that not only will you use these tools to contribute to your own success, but also to contribute an impact in society and community,” Connected Women co-founder Gina Romero told the graduates. “We would like to thank GCash for creating that first ripple with us.”

Connected Women intends to continue this program to reach another 2,000 women. Romero added that they are looking to tap the graduates as experts to further boost the learning of future Elevate GAIL scholars, in line with the need for role models among women in tech.

“My favorite part of the program is meeting a lot of women in different fields and backgrounds. This is what uplifts me, and which sets this program apart from other AI training: the community we have,” said Erika Carganilla, one of the scholars of the Elevate GAIL program.

“The program is friendly for all levels. If you’re a beginner, it’s not overwhelming; if you’re already mid-level, there are parts of the modules that are exciting and challenging,” Erika added.

“I am older than most and not a techie. Now I am thinking of going in that direction for my startup,” Carolyn Go, a startup entrepreneur at 60 years old, said. “The need for AI is high.”

Ayyi Gardiola is thankful about how the program helped her get back on her feet after typhoon Aghon in May. “The program was very timely for me. It helped ‘level the playing field’ when I had to catch up with so many deliverables after widespread blackouts and network signal failure in our area for at least two weeks here in Quezon province,” Gardiola said. “With my newly acquired Gen Al skills, I was able to process tons of data faster and beat all my deliverables for three simultaneous research and writing consultancy projects.”

At the end of the course, Elevate GAIL participants were made to come up with a capsule project. Many of them plan to use it to empower others, such as Erika, who works in HR. “AI gained a new purpose. I am going to use it to empower women and other Filipinos to find better opportunities and jobs that will fit their skills and backgrounds.” The training has helped Erika shift her mindset about AI’s role in the recruitment industry from threat to opportunity.

Edith Fauni, a teacher in Cavite, will use her capsule project to train fellow teachers in four schools on AI. She is also enthusiastic about fulfilling her dream of writing a book through the help of technology. Arriane Cabreros, who recently took on a new role in the marketing department of her university, said the training and mentorship she received from Elevate GAIL helped her gain confidence to navigate her new tasks and address the need for additional manpower.

The Elevate GAIL program is in line with GCash’s broader advocacy of women empowerment, through financial inclusion and in work environments that recognize the capabilities and rights of female leaders and employees. Currently, 49% of women make up the company’s total workforce, and 37% of the company’s tech team is made up of women. Meanwhile, women make up 55% of total GCash users.

GCash has been a partner of Connected Women since 2023, with the Connected Women platform being made available under the Earn Money Feature of GCash, providing women with opportunities to work from home. To date, over 68,000 women have signed up through this channel.