Lack of Gender Diversity in UK's AI Leadership Cause for Concern

• A survey of UK-based female IT leaders revealed concern about the lack of gender diversity in senior AI roles
• Conducted by Cloudera, the study gathered responses from 100 female IT decision-makers
• 68% of respondents expressed worry over limited female representation in top AI positions

A recently conducted survey of female IT leaders in the United Kingdom examined their worry about the level of gender diversity in senior artificial intelligence (AI) roles and its impact on role-related tasks.

The survey, which was commissioned by Cloudera and based on surveys completed by 100 female IT decision-makers, found that 68 percent of female IT leaders were concerned about the scarcity of women in senior roles in AI.

More than half of the respondents (56 percent) believed this was the reason behind potentially biased outputs resulting from AI technologies and systems. In addition, 57 percent of women believed that AI is inherently biased due to the male-led leadership and the pervasive systemic inequalities that continue to be supplanted in AI systems.

When looking outside the scope of AI, 82 percent of respondents suggested that gender imbalance continues not only at the more senior level of AI but also in the wider technology industry.

80 percent described their organisations’ gender equality initiatives as largely symbolic rather than meaningful.

Reported barriers to women’s advancement into senior AI roles included gender bias in recruitment and promotions (68 percent), limited access to upskilling opportunities (66 percent), and insufficient data suitable for AI-driven solutions (60 percent).

Almost nine in ten respondents (89 percent) agree that companies should increase access to AI training for women. Mary Wells, Cloudera’s Chief Marketing Officer, noted that while AI can open doors for positive change, a lack of diversity in participation could have the negative effect of reinforcing biases.

Despite the challenges of gender equality in the population of those developing AI, most respondents were optimistic about the future. Eighty-two percent believe the presence of women in leadership roles throughout AI will improve in the next five years.

Furthermore, 79 percent believe the influence of women in AI governance and decision-making will grow. Participants also identified ongoing learning, mentorship, and networking as key supports to help women move into leadership positions. Data-based insights into management and strategy were also identified as an essential support.

The findings indicated that meaningful change will rely on companies implementing tangible actions to improve training, remove biases in hiring, and create environments for inclusive leadership.

Yet represented perspectives at senior-level decision-making can help to shape a better and more equitable future in the development and use of AI.

The research was conducted prior to the panel discussion of industry leaders on addressing leadership and change within the technology and AI space.