AI Consult by Alia Bahanshal’s Post

My latest article, ‘Towards Gender Parity in AI Development and Deployment in MENA’, is now published on The MENA Observatory on Responsible AI! A project of Access to Knowledge for Development Center, the MENA hub of the f<a+i>r Hubs (Feminist AI Research Network), an initiative of the A+ Alliance Women At The Table. 🔎 You can read it here: https://lnkd.in/dwSPfE4c I really enjoyed writing this article! Instead of only employing a critical lens (as I usually do, because let’s face it… the numbers are bleak!), I spent some time looking at the proactive measures and mitigation efforts underway in the MENA region to address gender disparity in AI. This shift in perspective gave me hope for a future where AI is not only technically robust but also ethically sound and socially just. Through the lens of Data Feminism, the article examines the current state of gender (under)representation in AI within the MENA region, exploring its technical ramifications, societal challenges, mitigation initiatives, and pathways forward. Let me know what you think :)

This weekend, I had the privilege of speaking about gender and AI at the APEC Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy in Lima, Peru. In my talk, titled "Women in the AI Economy: Opportunities and Strategies for Inclusive Innovation," I examined the gender gap in AI and put forth possible interventions to increase the representation and influence of women in AI. Following the presentations from invited speakers, we had a lively and solutions-oriented discussion amongst policymakers, centered on mitigating the potential harms of AI on women while amplifying their economic opportunities through AI. Some of the questions we explored were: - How can APEC member economies work together to prevent a proliferation of (potentially conflicting) AI policies? - What research should we conduct to better understand the gendered impact of AI policies? - How can AI be used as a tool to combat gender discrimination? I'm deeply grateful for the support from Chantelle Stratford PSM and the APEC PPWE team, APEC - Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, APEC Perú 2024, and the APEC Division of Japan's MOFA for giving me the opportunity to participate in such a complex but urgent conversation.  #APECPeru2024

Is AI a Friend or Foe for Women? Historically, technology hasn't always been fair, and AI can inherit those biases. This can lead to discriminatory outcomes, like jobs being lost or loan applications being denied. But AI also has the potential to be a powerful tool for women's empowerment! Imagine AI that: Makes education and healthcare more accessible. Helps fight gender-based violence. Boosts women's participation in science and tech. The question is: Can we harness the good and avoid the bad? We at Women in AI Africa (WAIA) think so! What do you think? Is AI a friend or foe for women? Let us know in the comments! #AI #WomenInTech #GenderEquality #WAIA P.S. For a deeper dive, check out this article by Tinuade Adekunbi Ojo: https://lnkd.in/diaSkxVe

The gender gap in AI/ML is a serious issue that affects innovation and fairness. With less than 22% of AI professionals being women, we're missing out on diverse perspectives that could shape more inclusive technologies. It's time for women to take up space in AI/ML roles, conferences, and leadership positions. If you love working with data, AI/ML might just be the next step for you. #WomenInTech #AI #ML #DiversityInTech

The integration of AI in the digital economy is inevitable and potentially transformative. However, it must be approached with a conscious effort to promote gender equality. Here are some key points from a recent article on the implications of AI for women in the digital economy: 1. Gender Disparity in AI: Women account for only 22% of the workforce in the AI sector globally. This underrepresentation exacerbates the exclusion of women's perspectives in AI development and implementation. 2. AI's Impact on Employment: AI is increasingly taking over roles traditionally held by women, such as customer service and brand ambassadorship, often using female personas for AI systems. This not only reduces job opportunities but also perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes. 3. Need for Inclusive AI Development: Increasing women's participation in AI development is crucial. Diverse teams can bring varied perspectives, leading to more equitable and inclusive AI solutions. 4. Bias Audits for AI Systems: Implementing regular bias audits can help identify and mitigate gender biases in AI systems, ensuring fairer outcomes for all users. 5. Support Programs for Affected Workers: Creating support programs for workers displaced by AI can help them transition to new roles, ensuring that the digital economy remains inclusive and equitable. By addressing these issues proactively, we can harness the benefits of AI while ensuring that the digital economy is a space where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive. What steps can we take today to ensure a more inclusive digital economy tomorrow? #AI #DigitalEconomy #GenderEquality #Inclusion #TechForGood

🌍 Bridging the Gender Gap in AI: Insights from Lisa McVea on Women's Underrepresentation in Generative Tools | Addressing Inequality and Driving Change Together 🚀 Research shows that women use generative AI tools less than men do. In a rapidly advancing AI industry, the lack of gender perspectives, data, and decision-making can perpetuate profound inequality. Lisa McVea, AMS Talent Acquisition IT & Digital Manager explains what’s happening in the world of AI as it relates to women, the impact, and what can, and should be done: https://lnkd.in/dpeNAtSB #Talent #AI #Tech #ArtificialIntelligence #Skills #AMSExpertInsights

Is AI truly advancing without diverse voices at the helm? UN Women highlights a pressing issue: gender bias in Artificial Intelligence. To push AI forward, we need to ensure that all perspectives are represented, creating innovations that benefit everyone. Join us on August 22 at 8 a.m. PST for a powerful discussion with Hsing-Hsing Li Li, a Global Executive and AI Leader at ACELER8.AI .Hsing-Hsing's expertise in AI strategy is unparalleled, making this an event you won’t want to miss. Last chance to register! You don’t want to miss this opportunity. Link to register in the comments. #ArtificialIntelligence #WomenInTech #TechLeadership #WomenInAI

Please enjoy my Newsroom NZ column this month where I unpack AI though a gendered lens. Recent Aussie research found that more women than men mistrust AI and for good reason; AI has been found to be both gender and racially biased. But what are the ramifications if women opt out? #AI #tech #techforgood #leadership #dontworryabouttherobots #genderequality #genderequity

Women play a pivotal role in guiding AI toward accountability and inclusivity. Through interdisciplinary work and mentorship, women are shaping a future where technology advances in line with social responsibility. https://bit.ly/3ZEzkJ8 #WomeninResearch #MRX #MarketResearch #AI #Inclusion

🌟 New Blog Alert: Bridging the AI Divide: Breaking Down Barriers for Women’s Leadership in the Fifth Industrial Revolution On this #GirlsInICTDay, I’m happy to share insights from the blog that Ekua Bentil and I have prepared. We review the main barriers in access and use of AI and propose key recommendations to work towards a more equitable future: 🚀 An Urgent Call to Action We know what works to increase digital skills among girls and women and support their pursuit of STEM careers. Programs and initiatives to support women in AI follow these same patterns. We are at the cusp of a new industrial revolution and the stakes are high: if we maintain the status quo, AI could disrupt the labor market, disproportionately affecting women. 🌐 Creating Pathways and Opportunities Governments, academic institutions, the global community, and private sector must collaborate to ensure that women have clear pathways at every step of the ladder—from education to job opportunities. Let’s forge a foundation for an AI era that’s not only innovative but inherently inclusive. 🌈 Inspiring Tomorrow’s AI Leaders Together, we can empower girls and women to become the AI leaders of tomorrow. Let’s break down barriers and be champions for gender equality in technology. 📖 Access the full blog, available in English: https://lnkd.in/e6s-Xun2 Spanish: https://lnkd.in/e_DCSHp7 French: https://lnkd.in/eASy89-N #GirlsInICT #WomenInAI #GenderEquality #STEM #AIForAll #EthicalAI #InclusiveInnovation #TechForGood #EmpoweringWomen #AILiteracy #TechOnHerTerms