Women in AI: Barriers and Solutions

The inclusion of women into the development and implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the world is critical. The underrepresentation and lack of representation of women results in lower quality AI products. The AI consumer group is very diverse and the lack of diversity within the AI leadership and workforce creates a crisis within the AI industry. Additionally, because AI is fast-paced and has a high societal impact, not addressing this disparity has the potential to increase stereotypes, underrepresentation, and discrimination in career fields everywhere. This paper discusses the importance of women in the AI field, the barriers that they face, and a few solutions to eliminate gender-discrimination and gender-inequality for women of all ages. Women may experience increased discrimination in fields of underrepresentation, and this can discourage their desire to purse these career paths. The workplace needs to be aware of these struggles, provide resources for both men and women to address this, and invest in support for women to encourage their participation. As an emerging industry, the AI industry has an opportunity to address this gender gap before it becomes more pervasive and ingrained into the culture of AI. Together, we can have a significant impact on the future of AI, the community, and the products that consumers use.