Hidden Figures: a call for more women in AI

I recently watched the amazing 2016 film “Hidden Figures”. It tells the inspiring story of three African American women - Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson - who played key roles in NASA’s success during the space race in the 1960s. Despite facing barriers of both race and gender, their contributions were critical to the success of America’s space program. Their story is not only a testament to their brilliance but also a reminder of how much is lost when women’s contributions are overlooked.

Today, we are experiencing another technological revolution with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Yet, as with NASA’s early days, women remain underrepresented in this field. The lessons from Hidden Figures are still relevant: If we are to maximize the potential of AI, we need the full participation of women in shaping its future!

The importance of women in AI

We can all anticipate how profoundly AI will change industries, economies, and our societies. From healthcare to finance to public services, it is driving innovation and transforming how we live and work. However, despite the impact AI is having, the field remains dominated by men. Globally, according to Deloitte, women represent only about 26% of the AI workforce, and it is fair to conclude that this gender gap has serious implications for the future of technology.

Diversity in AI is not just a matter of representation; it affects the quality of the technology itself. AI systems are trained on data and by people, and if those designing and programming the systems come from a narrow demographic, the systems may reflect and perpetuate biases. This can result in unfair outcomes, such as biased hiring algorithms or unequal access to services. Women bring diverse perspectives and experiences that are essential for creating more balanced, ethical, and fair systems.??

In the same way that Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson brought new insights to NASA’s work, women in AI today can help ensure that the technology is designed to benefit everyone, not just a select group.

Lessons from Hidden Figures

?? Overcoming barriers

The women in Hidden Figures overcame significant barriers to make their mark at NASA. In AI, women still face challenges in terms of hiring, career progression, and access to leadership roles. It’s essential to break down these barriers and create more inclusive pathways in tech.

?? The power of education

Dorothy Vaughan’s initiative to learn FORTRAN, a leading program language of her time, highlights the importance of education and continuous learning. In the AI field, we need to provide even more opportunities for women to gain the necessary skills, from coding to data science and machine learning.?

?? Support networks

The film emphasizes the importance of mutual support and collaboration. In AI, creating mentorship opportunities and professional networks for women can help retain as well as develop female talent and encourage more women to pursue careers in this field in the first place.?

??? Visibility and recognition

For decades the contributions of Katherine Johnson and her peers went unrecognized. Today, we must ensure that women in AI are visible and celebrated, so that future generations of women can see themselves in these roles.?

As we look to the future of AI, it’s crucial that women are no longer ‘hidden figures’ but visible and integral to shaping the intelligent systems that will define the 21st century. By promoting education, fostering inclusion and championing female leadership in AI, we can all make our contribution to? a future where women are not at the sidelines but at the forefront of the current technological innovation.?

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