ITU calls for the involvement of women in shaping and monitoring AI tools and systems
Date: 2024-07-17
The
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General, Doreen
Bogdan-Martin, has called for the involvement of women from all regions of the
world in shaping and monitoring AI tools and systems.
Speaking
at the AI for Good Summit, she said currently, women represent only 22% of the
AI workforce, mirroring their underrepresentation in the technology field hence
the need for diverse women's perspectives to improve the design and application
of AI technologies.
Experts
agree that women's involvement is crucial for creating inclusive AI systems
that benefit all marginalized groups. Initiatives such as supporting women-led
start-ups, empowering girls with learning opportunities, and providing training
and pro bono support to women entrepreneurs are essential for driving gender
equality in technology.
The
ITU and EY have launched a project to train 1,000 girls across 12 countries in
AI and entrepreneurship, enabling them to develop innovative solutions. Cosmas
Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau,
noted during the Summit that the "AI skills accelerator for girls"
project will provide girls and women with digital, ethical, and managerial
skills to become content creators and boost creativity and innovation.
Placing
women at the forefront of AI development is essential for ensuring equity,
accountability, and inclusivity. Helene Molinier, Senior Advisor on Digital
Cooperation at UN Women, also emphasized that AI systems are currently
reinforcing gender bias, and developers need to tackle these biases to create
inclusive tools.
The
panel agreed that diversity is critical in AI development, and marginalized
groups must be involved in co-creation from the start. Human rights impact
assessment tools can help correct bias, and international organizations can
ensure all voices are heard by mobilizing technical assistance, digital skills
training, and funding to implement gender-inclusive policies throughout the AI
value chain.
The Global Lead on AI and Data Innovation at the World Bank, Sharmista Appaya noted that AI systems can help drive financial inclusion for women, who make up 60% of the global unbanked population.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
