Digital Accelerator for HER Empowers Young Women with Skills, Confidence and Careers
Skilling initiative by BNP Paribas, NASSCOM Foundation and Seventh Sense Talent Solutions transforms lives of over 700 students
A powerful push towards women’s empowerment and inclusive growth was witnessed at the felicitation ceremony of the “Digital Accelerator for HER” programme, where young women were celebrated for their achievements in digital skills and career readiness. The initiative, supported by BNP Paribas, NASSCOM Foundation and Seventh Sense Talent Solutions, has emerged as a transformative platform enabling women to gain industry-relevant skills and secure meaningful employment.
Held on March 23, 2026, the programme highlighted not just academic success, but the journey of resilience, confidence and opportunity among students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Driving Skills for Inclusive Growth
Addressing the gathering, Sanjay Singh, CEO of BNP Paribas India, underlined the importance of equipping young women with practical skills in a rapidly evolving job market. “We are proud to be part of the Digital Accelerator for HER programme in collaboration with NASSCOM Foundation. Upskilling young women is key to building an inclusive and progressive society,” he said.
He noted that the programme, now in its third year, has already supported over 700 students across cities including Bengaluru, Mumbai and Chennai. “Beyond academic learning, we are focused on providing hands-on training, interview preparation and industry exposure so that women are not only job-ready but also confident professionals,” Singh added.
He further emphasised that partnerships with educational institutions and training organisations are helping ensure that a majority of participants secure employment upon completion. “This initiative is not just about training, it is about creating sustainable career pathways for women,” he said.
Transforming Lives Through Learning
For many students, the programme has been life-changing. Umme Hajira, a BCA student, shared how the training helped her overcome financial and social barriers. “Coming from a challenging background, I had limited access to quality education and career opportunities. This programme gave me a new direction,” she said.
She added, “I learned web development technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript and PHP. Initially, some concepts were difficult, but the trainers made learning easy and engaging. The supportive environment boosted my confidence.” Hajira proudly revealed that she has now been selected as a cloud engineer, calling it a “dream come true”.
Deepika, another student, echoed similar sentiments. “The training not only improved my technical knowledge but also strengthened my communication and interview skills. The mock interviews and soft skill sessions were extremely helpful,” she said. “Today, I have secured a position as a data analyst, and this programme has played a crucial role in shaping my career.”
She encouraged other young women to seize such opportunities. “If you are willing to learn and work hard, programmes like this can truly change your future,” she added.
Speaking to the media, Attar Syed Murtaza Hussain, Gen Secretary, CMA said, “I respectfully acknowledge the meaningful collaboration between CMA’s AK College, NASSCOM Foundation and BNP Paribas, which is truly uplifting and empowering our young girls. Initiatives like the Digital Accelerator for HER are not just building skills, but instilling confidence, ambition and a sense of purpose among students. When young women are equipped with knowledge and opportunities, they become agents of change, shaping a more inclusive and progressive society. We remain committed to supporting such efforts that transform potential into success.”
Academic Institutions Play a Key Role
Dr. M.S. Vidya, Principal of AK College for Women, expressed pride in hosting the programme and witnessing the transformation of her students. “We are delighted to collaborate with Seventh Sense and NASSCOM Foundation. The graduation ceremony was a moment of pride not only for students but also for their families,” she said.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, she added, “The theme ‘Give to Gain’ reflects the spirit of mutual support and collective progress. Our students have shown remarkable dedication, even balancing academic responsibilities and personal challenges.”
Vidya also acknowledged the continued support of the institution’s management. “Their encouragement has been our backbone, enabling us to create opportunities that empower our students,” she said.
Noor Ayesha, Head of the Computer Science Department, pointed out the programme’s strong academic and placement outcomes. “Our students completed a three-month AI full-stack course and have demonstrated excellent skills in Python and emerging technologies,” she said. “We are proud that all participating students have been placed, particularly as front-end developers.”
She added that such initiatives are essential in preparing students for a competitive job market. “This is not just a training programme; it is a stepping stone to a brighter future,” she noted.
A Step Towards Empowerment
The “Digital Accelerator for HER” programme stands as a testament to how collaboration between industry, non-profits and educational institutions can drive meaningful change. By combining technical training, soft skills and placement support, it is helping young women move from uncertainty to confidence and from aspiration to achievement.
As the ceremony concluded with awards and recognitions, the message was clear: empowering women through education and skills is not just an investment in individuals, but in the nation’s future.
