Strides, setbacks and seat belts

Empowering women in business and technology has been a personal passion and I wanted to reflect on the strides made towards gender equality and the challenges that still persist, particularly in the tech and business space. This year's IWD theme, "Inspire Inclusion", prompted me to think about three areas where women’s influence is not only essential but increasingly urgent: Artificial intelligence (AI), female consumerism and the need for empathy in management teams.

1. Combating social bias in AI development

We know that AI holds immense potential to shape our future, from revolutionising industries to transforming daily lives. As we become more aware of how it works, it’s more obvious that it’s not immune to the biases embedded in society. Examples range from healthcare underrepresenting women and minority groups, to job adverts for high-paying positions being shown more to men, to hiring algorithms picking out certain words attributed to male CVs. Without diverse perspectives guiding its development, AI systems risk perpetuating and even exacerbating existing inequalities.?

One of the most crucial aspects of diversity in AI development is the inclusion of more women. Women bring unique insights and experiences that can help mitigate bias in algorithms and ensure AI technologies serve all members of society equitably. By diversifying AI teams, we can create more inclusive and socially responsible technologies that better reflect the needs and values of diverse communities.

Initiatives aimed at encouraging women to pursue careers in AI and related fields are essential to closing the gender gap in technology. Providing mentorship, educational opportunities, and support networks can help empower women to take on leadership roles in AI development, driving innovation and creating a more inclusive future.

2. Designing for female consumerism

Women play a significant role in driving consumer spending, from household goods and food packaging to luxury items, women are increasingly wielding their purchasing power making a vast array of purchasing decisions that shape markets worldwide. So doesn’t it seem crazy not to include them in the design process??

Despite their significant impact on the economy, women's preferences and needs are often overlooked in product design and marketing. We’d like product packaging that doesn’t require the grip strength of a rock climber to open up a jar of jam (particularly as we age and tend to lose hand strength), or sports equipment that work for women’s (smaller) hands or seat belts designed to keep women safe - the list goes on.?

Companies must recognise the diversity among female consumers and tailor their products and services to them. This includes not only addressing practical considerations such as functionality and affordability but also reflecting women's diverse tastes, lifestyles, and values in their offerings. By embracing gender-inclusive design principles and engaging with female consumers in meaningful ways, businesses can tap into new markets, foster brand loyalty, and drive sustainable growth.

3. Fostering empathy in management teams

The ability to be empathetic is a superpower. Empathy drives understanding, collaboration, and innovation in the workplace. Achieving true empathy requires diverse perspectives and experiences at all levels of an organisation, particularly in management teams.

While diversity on corporate boards has received significant attention in recent years, the composition of management teams also plays a crucial role in shaping organisational culture and decision-making processes. Having a diverse management team, including women from diverse backgrounds, brings a broader range of perspectives to the table, leading to better-informed decisions and more effective leadership.

Empathy in management goes beyond diversity as it allows a genuine understanding of employees' experiences, challenges, and aspirations. This is what fosters a trusting and inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best. It’s one of the things I pride myself on and something that we consistently receive high scores on in our engagement surveys when we ask ‘I feel I can be my whole self at work’.?

As we mark International Women's Day, I’m reaffirming my commitment to breaking bias and building empathy in technology and business. By championing diversity, inclusion, and empathy, we can create a world where women's voices are heard, their contributions are recognised, and together, we design and create better futures for all.