We have a long way to go before we will arrive at gender equality in the workplace. And in the realm of AI we have even longer to go still. In a recent survey by Wired.com it was reported that AI “is less inclusive than the broader tech industry”. Below is a chart that exhibits its findings:
The importance of having a diverse AI community is obvious: we need a non-biased AI to make decisions that will affect our planet. This equality is important as our workplace goals are directly reflective of the world we live in.
There has already been a conversation about sexism within AI, with people arguing that most virtual assistants are given female first names. Inherent in this naming process is the assumption that those serving will be of the female sex- reinforcing gender stereotypes and expectations within the tech sector.
AI must be representative of the whole of humanity if its benefits are to be fully realised. Machine learning technology cannot fully progress if there if only a very specific type of person in charge of its development.
There have been some heartening initiatives taken to increase female participation in the AI world. Organisations such as ‘Women in AI’ and ‘Women in tech’ have gone some way in addressing these issues but the rebalancing effort is far from over.
Diversity in AI is essential if we are to improve the way we present our possible futures and the benefits of technology in a way that will inspire future creations.
