Women-only AI Talk Times
Peer Support within Luxembourg’s National AI Literacy Programme
Theme: Promoting skills and development
Phase and Stage: DIGITAL – Upskilling / reskilling
Action: Networking
Beneficiaries: Girls only; Women only; Parents; Adults
Users: Policy makers; Training providers; NGOs/Society
As part of Luxembourg’s national Elements of AI Luxembourg programme, the government has implemented “Women-only Talk Time” sessions to support women and girls engaging with AI literacy. These sessions provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment to openly explore AI topics and build confidence in a field where women remain underrepresented. The Talk Time format complements the Finnish MOOC-based Elements of AI course by offering in-person gatherings for open discussion, Q&A, and exchange around real-world examples of AI. These sessions are exclusively for women, including students, working professionals, and job seekers, and are typically held in accessible community spaces, such as the Digital Learning Hub (Belval) or Luxembourg City.
THE CHALLENGE
Hybrid Format Balance (MOOC + In-Person/Safe place): Women learners often prefer the flexibility of online self-paced content, especially those balancing careers, caregiving responsibilities, or part-time education. However, in-person engagement is essential to overcome isolation, foster peer support, and reinforce learning. Striking the right balance between autonomy and community requires careful scheduling (e.g. evening/weekend sessions, accessible locations) and clear communication.
OUR SOLUTION
The MOOC remains self-paced and online (valued by women for time flexibility), while in-person Talk Times are positioned as low-pressure social learning+gathering spaces (participation in the MOOC is not mandatory), scheduled to accommodate working hours and childcare duties (e.g. early evenings). Learners can engage deeply with AI content at their own pace while still benefiting from face-to-face interaction, peer exchange, and expert facilitation. The co-organization with trusted gender equity stakeholders (e.g. WIDE & Co. or IMS Luxembourg) to ensure messaging is inviting, and jargon-free. The tone avoids “tech elitism” and clearly highlights practical relevance (e.g. AI in daily life, work, healthcare). Result: Increased sign-ups among women outside tech, including educators, HR professionals, and administrative staff.
OUTCOME
Broadening of the Target Audience: The format successfully reached women outside the tech sector: Increased participation from first-time learners in AI and tech, especially women aged 35–55 from all horizons and sectors.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The women-only Talk Time format is highly appreciated by participants but requires continuous adaptation to remain relevant. Targeting matters: sessions must be clearly framed (e.g. “AI & gender bias”, “AI for everyday life”, “AI for lawyers”) to attract diverse female profiles beyond the tech sector. Trusted partners are key: collaboration with organizations such as WIDE & Co. ensures the creation of a safe space. The hybrid nature: self-paced online learning combined with in-person gatherings—is effective but demands careful calendar alignment, location accessibility, and childcare-friendly scheduling to be truly inclusive. Communication is delicate: “women-only” must be framed positively (empowerment, safe space, peer exchange) and not as exclusion or deficit.
