Gender gap threaten inclusive AI

Ensuring artificial intelligence is fair, inclusive, and reflective of diverse communities requires women to have an equal role alongside men in its development, stated Fiona Glaskin, KPMG's Women in Tech Lead.

Glaskin emphasized that the quality of AI outcomes is directly tied to the individuals building the tools and the data used for training. As AI becomes more deeply integrated into everyday life, she argued that stronger representation of women in the technology sector is essential. While acknowledging that more women are entering the field, Glaskin pointed out that gender bias and inequality persist as significant challenges.

She believes that involving women in AI development will lead to the creation of tools that better represent different genders, cultures, and experiences. "What comes out of it is only as good as what goes into it," Glaskin said, "and so we need our women involved in selecting the data that goes in, building the tools that women are using to make sure what is coming out the other end, the results that we are seeing are diverse, they’re representing what the population actually is, it is gender diverse, it is culturally diverse and we need our tech tools to be reflecting that."

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What comes out of it is only as good as what goes into it and so we need our women involved in selecting the data that goes in, building the tools that women are using to make sure what is coming out the other end, the results that we are seeing are diverse, they’re representing what the population actually is, it is gender diverse, it is culturally diverse and we need our tech tools to be reflecting that.

These remarks were made during KPMG Fiji's third annual Women in Technology Insights Program in Nadi. The program aims to enhance women's confidence, skills, and participation in the technology sector. For some participants, like University of Fiji technology student Saemah Nishat, the journey involves challenging existing perceptions. Nishat shared her experience, noting that her involvement in technology has helped change the mindset that the sector is primarily for males. "I was the only girl who was into technology, so you know people had their mindset that only boys are good in technology, only boys are in the work field of software development and stuff," she said. "So I think that me taking this opportunity and studying technology has also changed their mindset."

The program convened nearly 30 women, offering them opportunities to strengthen their knowledge and confidence in technology. Participants also gained exposure to areas such as artificial intelligence, ethical technology practices, and professional skills.

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I was the only girl who was into technology, so you know people had their mindset that only boys are good in technology, only boys are in the work field of software development and stuff. So I think that me taking this opportunity and studying technology has also changed their mindset.