Artificial Intelligence Might Increase Gender Inequality

Artificial intelligence (AI), in the absence of clear and inclusive policies, cannot effectively address gender inequality gaps and may even amplify biases. At the UN's II Global Forum on AI Ethics, discussions centered around women and how they currently face marginalization in AI decisions, as these programs continue to learn societal values and stereotypes.

Representation of women in the technology sector, which currently stands at only 20%, was one of the main concerns discussed at the UN's II Global Forum on AI Ethics. While the expectation was that AI systems would open up more opportunities for all, results show that women also face discrimination in these spaces. One example is the case of Amazon in 2018, where the company created a recruiting AI program that later showed gender bias, as it demoted women's resumes and favored those of men. This bias in the program originated from being trained with previous curriculums that reflected gender disparities. Although Amazon stopped using this program due to its bias, many companies continue to employ biased AI programs.

"Technology does not spontaneously close gaps; if there are no clear policies and designs based on inclusive principles from the start, gender biases will increase," said Elena Estavillo, Director, Center for the Future Society.

Experts stressed the importance of ensuring that AI contributes to gender equality through adequate representation of women in decision-making processes and shaping AI systems with unbiased data. Implementing these changes would provide women with equal access to employment, scholarships, and opportunities. Experts called for partnerships with governments, universities, businesses, and civic organizations to promote ethical algorithmics that achieve gender equality. 

Constanza Gómez, Founder, AI for Climate, said that if AI is programmed effectively, it can be an ally in addressing any global challenge. For example, the organization used cameras and audio sensors to train AI to recognize and quantify various species, which allowed the creation of ecological corridors.  "Artificial intelligence can be a powerful ally in conservation or the fight against climate change, but significant efforts are required to ensure that AI-based systems are transparent and accountable," Gómez stressed.