Is AI an opportunity for women or is it a new gender bias emerging? Lucie-Anna Oddon, expert in data science and lecturer at the Albert School in Paris, explains her views on current AI developments in an interview with Belle&Yell.
AI the invisible force
Your overdraft has not been increased? You may owe this decision to a system with artificial intelligence and it may have something to do with the fact that you are a woman.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping many areas of our lives – from automated image recognition to corporate decision-making. But who is developing these technologies which shape our future? The answer reveals a sobering reality: women are significantly underrepresented in AI development. According to a recent analysis, less than 20% of all specialists in this field worldwide are women.
This imbalance has far-reaching consequences: Lending systems that put women at a disadvantage or voice assistants which understand male voices better are examples of how one-sided perspectives are reflected in AI.
Lucie-Anna Oddon, an expert in data science and lecturer at the Albert School in Paris, talks to Belle&Yell about the impact of AI on gender equality and what needs to be done to ensure that women are better represented in this area.
Diversity in AI - a question of justice
Currently, less than 25% of students at the Albert School are women – a proportion slightly above the average for engineering, but still insufficient. This under-representation has consequences: Algorithms are only as diverse as the people who develop them. Studies show that AI applications in education, health and work are often not neutral and can reinforce existing prejudices.
One example of this is Amazon’s failed recruiting tool, which systematically discriminated against women. Another example is Apple’s credit card from 2019, where women were given a lower credit limit than men despite having the same financial qualifications. Even Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak spoke publicly about this injustice. “The problem was in the data on which the model was trained,” explains Lucie-Anna. “Without diversity in development, we risk the technology deepening inequalities rather than reducing them.”
The risks of exclusion
The greatest danger, according to Lucie-Anna, is the exclusion of women from an area that is increasingly permeating all areas of life. AI is being used to shape the technologies of the future, from autonomous driving to personalized medicine. If women are not actively involved in development, their perspectives will go unheard.
It is also difficult for minorities or women from disadvantaged groups: women from migration or socially disadvanted background often struggle twice. “This is where we need to finally make data and algorithms smarter,” she says.
Opportunities through artificial intelligence
But AI also holds enormous opportunities. Projects such as Nabla Health, a health app with a focus on women, show how technology can be used specifically to promote equality. Initiatives like these are often the result of women who have recognized grievances and are developing innovative solutions.
Lucie-Anna emphasizes the role of education: “We need more visibility for female role models in mathematics and technology. We need to encourage girls’ interest at school by empowering and inspiring them.” She points out the importance of programs which show in a practical way how AI can positively change our lives.
Examples of this include initiatives such as “Women in AI”, which networks women in AI worldwide, or mentoring programs such as “AI4All”, which offers young women targeted access to educational resources and networks.
Current challenges of AI
In addition to the social aspects, there are technical and ethical challenges in the field of AI. These include:
- Bias in algorithms: Distortions in the data lead to discriminatory results.
- Transparency: Decisions made by AI systems are often difficult to understand.
- Data protection: The handling of sensitive data is a central point in the debate.
- Job loss: Automation through AI could replace certain professions and turn labor markets upside down.
It is important that these challenges are taken into account in the development and implementation of AI technologies.
A call for cooperation
The path to greater equality in AI doesn’t just start at universities, but earlier – in schools, in families and in society as a whole. Lucie-Anna sees a shared responsibility here: “Parents, teachers and the industry need to work together to encourage the next generation of female leaders in technology.”
Conclusion: AI as a mirror of our society
Artificial intelligence is not a neutral tool. It reflects the values and perspectives of those who create it. This makes it all the more important that women are not only users of this technology, but also creators of it.
The challenge is to create a diverse and fair basis for the development of AI. Only then can we ensure that the technology becomes a tool for all – not just a few. Lucie-Anna Oddon’s call is clear: “We have the chance to shape a better future. Let’s seize it!”
What is artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence refers to systems that use algorithms to solve tasks that normally require human thought. These include speech recognition, image recognition, decision making and problem solving. The technology is based on machine learning and neural networks that analyze large amounts of data, recognize patterns and learn from them. AI is used in many areas, including health, education, business and entertainment.
Experts recommend various measures to increase the proportion of women in the AI sector:
- Promoting STEM education: Girls and young women should be encouraged to take an interest in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology at an early age.
- Mentoring programs: Experienced professionals can act as mentors to make it easier for women to enter the AI sector.
- Flexible working models: Offers such as working from home, part-time and flexible working hours can help to improve the work-life balance and make starting a career more attractive.
Lucie-Anna Oddon
Lucia-Anna works as Corporate Education & Partnerships Director at Albert School, Paris and brings her experience to the training of the next generation of AI experts. She is committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive Tech Ecosystem.
The aim of Albert School is to train versatile talents with both analytical and creative skills. The innovative university specializes in data science and business. Albert School combines technical know-how with practice-oriented education and prepares its students for the challenges of the digital world.
