16 May 2025, Hong Kong: Women are facing growing challenges in the digital space, such as cyberbullying, harassment, and crimes targeted at women, which hinder their effective participation in building digital nations.
Although AI has the potential in creating safer online environments to benefit women and girls, without equal access to technology and a role in shaping it, AI will likely perpetuate existing biases and gender inequality. According to ITU, women represent just 22% of the world’s AI workforce today, mirroring their under-representation across the whole technology field.* If women do not have equal participation in shaping the AI technologies, the future digital economy and the AI that will impact it will have risk being built on stereotypes of the past. Technical teams developing AI systems should ensure equal roles for women, prioritize their viewpoints, and ensure that the data supporting AI accurately reflects gender-diversity.
To celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day on 17 May 2025, with inspiration from the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”, we invite women tech leaders worldwide to contribute articles, research papers, case studies, and opinion pieces focusing on “Creating Digital Trust and Empowering Women with Inclusive AI.” Submissions can be in the form of written documents, video presentations, or podcasts. This topic delves into areas such as:
- Current gaps in ensuring online safety: What existing systems are lacking in creating a safe online space for women? How can AI technologies effectively identify online harassment? How can AI solutions be integrated into social media platforms to detect and prevent abuse before it escalates?
- Considerations around AI ethics: While AI can play a significant role, it’s essential to acknowledge the current limitations of technology in addressing the full scope of online safety, particularly the ethical implications of AI surveillance.
- How to increase the representation of women in the technology and AI sectors and eliminate gender bias in the data that AI technologies are built on?
- How to govern AI technology for the inclusion and empowerment of all women and girls?
As we strive for a more inclusive digital future, it’s imperative to address these challenges and empower women with inclusive AI. Your insights and experiences can pave the way for a safer and more inclusive online environment for all.
Submission is closed now, thank you for those leaders who have submitted their articles and videos. Selected entries have been published on the GSMA Diversity4Tech blog which is accessible from the button below. Additionally, the top three entries will be awarded the Women Digital Leadership Awards, which will be announced and honored at the GSMA Digital Nation Summit Kuala Lumpur (ASEAN Edition) on September 23-24 in Kuala Lumpur.
About GSMA Diversity4Tech APAC Community :
The GSMA Diversity4Tech APAC Community provides a forum for women working in the tech industry to discuss issues and provide real-life solutions to address the gender and overall diversity gap in the industry and maximize value and leadership skills for working-level women and their careers.
* https://www.itu.int/hub/2024/07/inclusive-responsible-ai-needs-women-front-and-centre/