Is AI Missing Out on Women’s Perspectives?

AI is reshaping the world in unprecedented ways. It is embedded in everything from the way we communicate and shop, to how businesses run and industries innovate. Yet, despite the massive potential of AI to transform industries and improve lives, it has a glaring issue: the lack of diversity in its development.

Women, who influence an estimated 70-80 percent of global consumer spending, are vastly underrepresented in AI leadership and development. As the gender driving much of the world’s economic decisions, women's absence in AI presents a critical imbalance that risks limiting the effectiveness and inclusivity of innovation.

This International Women's Day, we call for more female leadership in AI development to ensure that this transformative technology reflects the diverse needs of society. Here’s why women must shape AI—and how it will lead to more inclusive, effective innovation.

1. Diversity Leads to Better Solutions

AI systems learn from the data they are given. If the teams developing AI are homogeneous, the data they rely on and the solutions they create are likely to reflect a narrow view of society. When diverse teams, particularly women, are involved in AI development, it encourages the consideration of a broader range of perspectives, experiences, and needs.

For example, AI applications in healthcare have already shown the potential to revolutionise diagnostics and treatment. However, many of these algorithms are based on data that predominantly come from men. This has led to a bias in medical research and treatment recommendations, which may not be as effective for women. Female leadership in AI would ensure that such biases are recognized and corrected, leading to more accurate and effective solutions.

2. Women as the Primary Consumers

Given that women influence up to 80 percent of global consumer spending, their absence in AI decision-making means that the people shaping products and services are not reflective of the consumers they aim to serve. AI innovations in retail, financial services, healthcare, and many other sectors must cater to women’s needs and preferences. Without female leadership, the development of these technologies may overlook key consumer insights, resulting in products that are out of touch with real-world demands.

When women take on leadership roles in AI, they bring a deeper understanding of the nuances in consumer behaviour, driving the creation of more relevant, accessible, and user-friendly AI-driven products and services.

3. Reducing Bias and Promoting Ethical AI

AI systems are only as unbiased as the data they are trained on—and the teams that develop them. If left unchecked, AI can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and inequalities, exacerbating existing biases in areas such as hiring, law enforcement, and finance. Studies have already shown that algorithms used in recruitment and criminal justice systems can discriminate against women and minorities due to inherent biases in the data and lack of diversity in AI teams.

Women’s involvement in AI development is crucial to ensuring that ethical considerations are at the forefront of innovation. Women leaders can champion fairness and equality in AI applications, advocating for responsible data collection, bias detection, and inclusive practices in the design and deployment of AI systems.

4. Encouraging Future Generations of Female Innovators

The gender gap in AI development is not just a leadership issue—it starts much earlier. Women are significantly underrepresented in AI and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, with many facing barriers to entry from education to career progression.

When women are seen in leadership positions in AI, it sends a powerful message to the next generation of female innovators. It shows young women and girls that they belong in these fields and that their contributions can help shape the future. Increasing female representation in AI leadership can inspire a wave of talent, encouraging more women to pursue careers in AI and related fields, which will only strengthen the industry as a whole.

5. Creating a More Equitable Future

The future of AI is deeply intertwined with the future of society. As AI continues to influence decisions in healthcare, finance, education, and governance, it is critical that these technologies are designed to benefit all members of society—not just a select few. Women’s involvement in AI leadership is essential to achieving this vision.

By bringing more women into AI development, we can create technologies that better serve diverse populations, ensure fairer outcomes, and address societal challenges in ways that are inclusive and equitable. Women leaders in AI can help bridge the gap between innovation and social responsibility, driving progress that benefits everyone.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future Together

As we celebrate International Women's Day, it is time to recognise the importance of women’s leadership in shaping the future of AI. Women bring unique perspectives, insights, and values that can lead to more inclusive, ethical, and effective AI innovations.

The world cannot afford to overlook the contributions of women in AI. By encouraging and empowering more women to take on leadership roles in AI development, we not only improve the technology itself, but also create a future where innovation serves the needs of all, equally.

This International Women's Day, let's commit to breaking down barriers and ensuring that women are at the forefront of AI development—because when women lead, everyone benefits.