Breaking Stereotypes: Embracing Diversity to Combat AI Bias
Women in AI's Aalya Dhawan Explains How Diversity Can Drive Business Advantage
Artificial intelligence is transforming workplaces and the global workforces - both are adapting to the changing needs of employers and customers who are increasingly using AI. To remain competitive and succeed, companies require not just technical skills and expertise, but diverse knowledge, experiences and insights.
This is, however, not reflected in many organizations. The 2023 "Advancing Gender Equality in Data, Analytics and AI" survey - conducted by Omdia and AI Business in partnership with Women in AI - found that only 4% of male, female and non-gender respondents said that their organizations had achieved 50:50 equity in employment between men and women.
"Studies show that generally, these companies that have a diverse, top-down, bottom-up structure tend to have 10% extra bottom line," said Aalya Dhawan, director of global communication, marketing and content, Women in AI; and co-founder at Sutton and Shaw and Humarket Solutions.
This data-driven perspective underscores the tangible business benefits that come with fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. Thinking beyond the bottom line, diversity in innovation also has the potential to shape the future of AI technology itself.
"We want to be at a stage with diversity in innovation where technology learns these kinds of human biases and also adapts to the needs of the underrepresented minority groups. It's a very nonconformist mindset to have," Dhawan said.
In this video interview with Information Security Media Group, Dhawan also discussed:
- Objectives of the survey and key findings;
- Female and other underrepresented groups in AI and technology;
- Four steps for addressing AI equity for gender and non-represented minorities.
With a focus on ethical fashion supply chains, digital traceability and sustainable practices, Dhawan has applied her expertise in product management, user research and design thinking to develop impactful solutions that prioritize diversity and sustainability.
