As we see the growing impacts of AI on society, we must acknowledge both the challenges and opportunities that it creates. One of the main areas these impacts can be seen is gender equality, especially in a male-dominated area such as STEM.

Whilst it may appear to be neutral on the surface, there have been multiple occasions in which AI has learned gender bias, and there have been instances of AI adopting gendered language from the humans who have created it. An example of this is the assumption of doctors being male and nurses being female, which perpetuates the outdated idea that jobs have a gender – something we, as a society, are trying to move away from.

This evidences the fact that society still has a long way to go as we can clearly see patriarchal idealisms seeping into modern technology. With new technologies such as this, it should be a focus of those creating AI to ensure it doesn’t uphold the prejudices of the past, but rather takes us into the future. New technology gives the opportunity to enact change, however, it is not being used to its full potential here.

An unfortunate example of this is the challenges that AI creates for those who do not conform to the gender binary. Due to the default assumption of ‘male’ or ‘female’, it has been found that systems such as facial recognition may not work for trans and non-binary people. Again, these outdated views of gender are being propagated through modern technology when the focus should be placed on inclusivity.

Studies by IDB, OECD and UNESCO have revealed that AI systems are likely to impact gender bias in multiple areas, including labour, care and domestic employment. This study also found evidence of AI promoting negative stereotypes about women that impact their opportunities in STEM-related careers. These biases are a direct result of the scarcity of women involved in the creation of AI. It is important that those creating AI reflect the reality that society is full of diversity, not only in terms of gender but in all aspects of individuality.

It has been estimated that, globally, women are 25% less likely to have the skills to use information and communications technology for basic purposes. In contrast, men are 4 times more likely to have advanced skills in this area. This worrying figure further highlights the need to support women who want to pursue a career in STEM. This is especially important in young girls at the start of their careers, who may be intimidated by the male-dominated profession. We can see this happening from the likes of Ernst and Young who have created an app to combat this. The EY STEM App is designed to inspire and empower 13-18 year-old girls in STEM and create a more equal and diverse future.

Despite the challenges that AI has created for women, it is important to recognise the positive impacts of AI on gender. An example of this is the fact that breast cancer screenings have improved by 13% due to the use of AI. Similarly, AI has created new tools to help detect sexual harassment in the workplace. These are small steps towards a more gender equal future in technology, if more women are able to be involved in the creation of AI.

This is perfectly summed up by Ulrik Knudsen (OECD Deputy Secretary-General): ‘if we do not promote the fair and full participation of girls and women in the digital future of our societies, we are setting ourselves up for a digital future that will be less rich, less innovative and less fair’.