The data is in: We need more women in tech at the dawn of AI.

Artificial intelligence continues to grow in capabilities, far beyond what mainstream businesses appreciate. Peter Thiel glibly quipped, “We wanted flying cars, instead we got 140 characters” in 2013. However, that tech disillusionment is no longer apt. Modern AI is shifting the paradigm, and tech is now reshaping job roles across markets, including the USA, UK, and EU, changing how tech hubs hire.

There’s just one problem: gender diversity remains a pressing challenge. AI-focused teams hire more men than women. 

Previously, forward-thinking companies saw the hiring of women as a matter of equity. However, new evidence suggests it is now a strategic necessity. Diverse teams are essential to driving innovation and solving problems so that firms can better serve their audiences. AI is a tool that can now empower female tech professionals to develop market-beating results.

How AI is reshaping female tech roles

AI is reshaping female tech roles in several ways. The growth of artificial intelligence’s power is leading to demand for women with specialised, interlinking fields. 

For example, women are needed in areas such as: 

• Data science and leveraging existing or artificial data to train proprietary systems better

• Natural language processing to help firms find practical applications of AI in the communication space

• AI ethics and policy, including how to leverage AI for the greater good and use it to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion

• AI product management to better understand lifecycles and technical capabilities within the company’s wider objectives or vision framework

Many female leaders are upskilling to advance their careers because of these demands for women in AI and tech. AI ethics could potentially give women the edge they need to succeed in their roles. 

AI Could Break Traditional Gender Bias In Hiring

Related to this, AI could also transform traditional gender bias in hiring. AI recruitment tools could reduce human error during hiring by using algorithm-based candidate screening instead of relying on the hirer. These solutions could focus more on qualifications than gender, allowing tech companies to find the people they need, not just those they think they need. 

DE&I initiatives that could empower women in AI

DE&I Initiatives could empower women in AI in several ways.

For example, organisations can now access protocols for inclusive hiring practices. Blind recruitment, structured interviews and even artificial intelligence are helping to minimise this. Companies are actively seeking methods to help them skirt difficult issues relating to unconscious bias. 

Many are also offering AI jobs for women in tech with a family-friendly focus. Companies are providing flexible working options that allow women to work around their children. 

Finally, AI’s impact on female tech careers is profound by setting clear targets for female representation in the higher echelons of business and leadership positions. Artificial intelligence is helping to meet equity quotas. 

Women in AI leadership roles

Several women are already in leading roles in AI and tech, suggesting that a more diverse future could be just around the corner. 

For example Brooke Hartley Moy (Co-Founder/CEO of Infactory) recently stated in Fortune that "Women appear to be equally underrepresented in AI as they are in other STEM fields." Brooke continues to say "I can easily point out women in pivotal roles across the AI sector, like OpenAI’s Mira Murati and Stanford’s Fei-Fei Li. Yet, women are conspicuously absent from recent lists celebrating AI leaders."

With women only representing about 22% of the AI industry in major Tech Hubs, in some cases as low as 16.8% representation. Women are being misrepresented as the minority gender. Women have proved time and again that they make awesome leaders in STEM fields and the validaty of their inclusion and input into the AI field needs to be addressed.

Influential AI Leader Dr. Joy Buolamwini's study for MIT found out that AI recognition software would successfully recognise "light-skinned male" photos with an error rate of only 0.8%, whilst the error rate for "dark-skinned women" was as high as 34.7%

Evidence like this raises concerns, as the proficiency of AI is at risk if it's not able to accurately represent or assist all races and genders.

 

Recruitment Solutions For Diverse AI Teams

Fortunately, recruitment agencies can help bridge the gap between AI and DE&I in tech. Here’s how: 

1. Helping companies access diverse talent pools with female candidates in AI and emerging technologies

2. Implementing bias-free hiring that uses AI-based screening and assessment tools to establish fairness in the recruitment process

3. Offering consulting on DE&I, including how to craft inclusive application processes and interviews

 

Get More Women At Your Tech Company At The Dawn Of AI

Given the importance of women’s roles in AI development, businesses should ensure more female leaders on their teams. Companies in this space need to go beyond equity considerations and consider adding women to their teams, which could help them achieve their objectives while building an inclusive society. 

If you are a tech company, partner with us today as your recruitment agency committed to fostering diverse AI teams. 

If you are a female tech professional or recruitment stakeholder at your firm, campaign for inclusive hiring practices, such as those we offer. Look for ways to encourage your firm to change its recruitment strategies. 

• Find a new tech role that suits you here
• Find the best tech talent for your team here
• Attend one of our upcoming events here