Women in Motion: Exploring AI and movement analysis with hands-on training
Participants engage in hands-on AI training during the ‘Women in Motion’ workshop at CERN IdeaSquare
On 7 June 2025, RightsTech Women (RTW), in collaboration with CERN Women in Technology, conducted a bilingual in-person training titled Women in Motion: Exploring AI and Movement Analysis. Held at CERN IdeaSquare, the half-day trainings welcomed nearly 40 women in two sessions (French in the morning and English in the afternoon), offering an empowering introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and movement data analysis.
This beginner-level event provided participants with a supportive environment to build technical confidence, learn about international human rights, and discover how emerging technologies can enhance decision-making in business and beyond.
The sessions were opened by RightsTech Women’s Ellen Walker, and Prachi Bhave who emphasised the importance of building technical capacity for women and girls as part of fulfilling their human rights to education, equality, information, and science.
Participants also heard from CERN coaches and professionals, who gave brief mentorship talks, sharing personal experiences about advancing in STEM careers. These stories encouraged participants to visualise their own place in tech, whether they were students, career changers, or exploring technology for the first time.
During the hands-on portion of the session, participants worked in pairs and small groups to explore real-world AI concepts using micro:bit devices and the CreateAI tool. The content introduced concepts like neural networks, training and testing datasets, and the model optimisation process, all simplified into an accessible, interactive learning experience.
Participants were also introduced to the international human rights framework that supports the right of girls and women to access technology education. The training highlighted key protections in international law, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the UN Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which affirm the right to participate in science and technology equally.
A few quotes from participants:
“The content was very clear. It sparked a lot of interest and curiosity about the topic. So, in one word, encouraging!!!”
“ML is really new for me. My first experience was very good. I may not have many chances to use it, but I got this wonderful experience.”
“Technology can be learned by anyone! Any age too! The tools really make it understandable and not intimidating.”
“It’s important to show women, especially girls, that it’s important to be familiar with technology and that these roles are available for them as well.“
Participants expressed strong appreciation for the welcoming learning environment, access to hands-on tools, and the generosity of the volunteer coaches.
RightsTech Women extends sincere thanks to the volunteer coaches, including those from CERN Women in Technology, for their time, expertise, preparation, and mentorship. They thank their partner organizations, the CERN Micro Club, CERN Women in Technology, and CERN IdeaSquare. As well, they benefited from the use of the SDG Solution Space venue for one of their earlier coaches’ trainings on this content. Special thanks go to all participants for their energy, curiosity, and openness to learning something new.
RightsTech Women is committed to advancing the human rights of girls and women in STEM through education, advocacy, and research. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, their nonprofit works to build a more inclusive and equitable future in science and technology. To stay updated on future training sessions and events, visit https://rightstech.org or follow RTW on LinkedIn.
