There is no doubt that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising various aspects of our lives, from healthcare and finance to education and more. However, as AI continues to become ingrained in our working and personal lives, its implications for women in particular are becoming a topic of significant concern that needs to be addressed so that we don’t see the same societal mistakes happen again. This article explores the role of AI, the potential biases against women, and the impact on jobs that have been traditionally held by women, as well as some useful tips for navigating these challenges.
AI algorithm bias against women
One of the most pressing issues with AI is the potential for algorithmic bias. The way that AI systems work is that they learn from data and if the data used to train these systems reflect existing societal biases, the AI can potentially exacerbate these biases. For example:
Recruitment tools
Some AI recruitment tools have been found to favour men over women. For instance, an AI tool developed by a major tech company was discovered to downgrade CVs that included words like “women’s.” It’s hard to believe that this still happens, but it very much does.
Healthcare algorithms
AI used in healthcare can also exhibit bias. Studies have shown that some algorithms used to prioritise patient care tend to underestimate the health needs of women and people of colour.
Voice recognition
AI-powered voice recognition systems often perform better with male voices compared to female voices, which can affect the user experience and accessibility for women.
How AI affects jobs traditionally held by women
The rise of AI and automation is reshaping the job market, and jobs traditionally held by women are not immune to these changes. We are seeing a number of affected sectors where women are traditionally the more dominant workforce — but given the rise of AI, could be made redundant due to cost saving and efficiency.
Administrative roles
Many administrative and clerical roles predominantly occupied by women are now being automated. AI-powered software can handle tasks such as scheduling, data entry, and customer service on a scale like never before and therefore the demand for human workers is reducing.
Retail
A significant number of women are employed in the retail sector, but we are now seeing that AI and robotics are being used to manage many things from inventory to process payments, and even assisting customers. This level of automation can over time lead to job displacement.
How can women overcome these challenges?
On the surface, it may seem that technology is en route to cause impactful issues for women in the workplace. However, all is not lost, and there is room for change before the world fully embraces AI.
Upskilling the female workforce
One of the most effective ways to stay relevant in the AI-driven job market is through continuous learning. Women and the businesses that employ them should consider upskilling in areas such as data analysis, programming, and AI ethics. Reskilling for roles like this means they are less likely to be automated, and roles requiring emotional intelligence and creative problem-solving can also be beneficial.
Promoting diversity in tech
This is an age-old problem, but increasing the representation of women in AI is absolutely crucial. Organisations should prioritise diversity in their hiring process and create inclusive work environments. Women in tech can advocate for diversity and mentor other women entering the field, making them feel included, seen, and welcome.
Awareness and advocacy
Being aware of the potential biases in AI systems is the first step towards mitigating them. Women can advocate for transparency and accountability in AI development. Participating in discussions about AI ethics can help ensure that there will be more equitable AI outcomes in the near and long term future.
The power that AI has to transform various industries and improve daily lives is vast. However, to move towards a more equitable technological future, we all need to start making changes in the workplace now. Upskilling, promoting diversity, and advocating for fair AI practices can all help women navigate the evolving job market and shape a more inclusive AI-driven future.
By Becks Perfect, Founder of Studio Sidechain
