Low Women Representation in AI May Limit Inclusion: Wendy Hall

• "The absence of women in AI may impact inclusive technology development," said Wendy Hall
• She mentioned that women are not well-represented in the AI field and that men dominate the leadership positions

Wendy Hall, a prominent computer scientist, stated that the lack of women in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence could be hindering the growth of inclusive technology.

Professor Hall, a University of Southampton lecturer and renowned expert in web systems, pointed out the stark gender divide in the field of AI.

Speaking at an international AI conference, she pointed out that the highest echelons of the industry are dominated by men and that the lack of women in the industry is a problem that persists.

She stated that gender bias has a tendency to affect the development of technology because it is not being addressed at the design level of technological development.

This leads to the views of the majority of the population not being adequately represented in the most important conversations about AI.

During the AI Impact Summit, Hall spoke to government representatives about the opportunities and challenges presented by generative AI, citing as an example, the project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to put India at the forefront of AI and to enable all people to be part of the future of work through initiative-based projects based on the use of advanced computing to achieve inclusive advancement for everyone.

In discussing her career, Wendy reflected back on her early research in the late 1980s which looked at why so few women were working in computing, sharing with the audience how the obstacles she experienced in her career showed her how important it is to be resilient and to identify mentors.

She also shared with the audience her own experience of having faced discrimination as a woman in higher education.

Wendy has also received many awards throughout her career including being made a Dame (D.B.E.) in 2009 and serving as a Senior Advisor on AI both to the U.K. government and the United Nations.