UN Calls for Artificial Intelligence to Avoid Replicating Historical Gender Bias

Women and girls are being urged to take a leading role in the development and implementation of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) tools aimed at promoting gender equality and addressing gender-based violence. This call to action was a central theme at the tenth Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where speakers highlighted the critical need to bridge the gender digital divide and enhance women’s leadership in science and technology.

Advancing Gender Equality in Technology

During the first panel discussion, titled “Advancing science, technology and innovation for gender equality,” Elina Kalkku, Co-Chair of the 2025 forum, emphasized that gender equality should not be an afterthought in technological development. She advocated for a human rights-based approach to AI and technology, underscoring the importance of integrating gender considerations from the outset. Aree Moon, President of the Korea Foundation for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology, echoed this sentiment, noting that women currently make up only 30 percent of researchers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). She pointed out that many women leave these fields mid-career due to systemic barriers, calling for a reevaluation of who holds power in shaping the future of technology.

Empowering Young Women Through Education

Mariéme Jamme, Founder of IamtheCODE, highlighted the urgent need to equip young women with digital skills, particularly in under-resourced regions. Her organization focuses on teaching coding and AI fundamentals to girls, providing them with the tools necessary to create the technologies of the future. Jamme shared her experience of developing a wellness app that has reached 25,000 girls in refugee camps in Kenya, illustrating how AI can be harnessed to combat gender-based violence. She stressed that without the skills to build AI systems, young women will be excluded from the conversation about technology’s future.

Addressing Systemic Discrimination

Catherine Ngila, Executive Director of the African Foundation for Women and Youth in Education, Sciences, Technology and Innovation, spoke about the systemic discrimination women face from a young age. She emphasized the importance of scholarships, mentorship, and supportive policies to foster progress. Ngila called for more women to mentor young girls and for men to participate in this mentorship as well. She believes that creating supportive environments is crucial for empowering the next generation of female leaders in technology.

Creating Inclusive Data and Leadership

Paola Cecchi Dimeglio from Harvard University discussed the importance of inclusive and diversified datasets in technology. She argued that addressing biases in technology is not just about data representation but also about leadership accountability. Dimeglio suggested using counterfactuals in training datasets to challenge stereotypes and reduce algorithmic bias. Sunungurai Dominica Chingarande, Vice-Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa, added that aligning digital transformation with legal frameworks promoting gender equality is essential. She highlighted initiatives in Rwanda aimed at improving infrastructure access and emphasized the need for gender training in educational institutions to foster a more inclusive digital landscape.

Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.

Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn