Part of the Ethical Data Discussion Series

Tuesday 25 June, 2024, 9h00-10h30 UTC (10h00-11h30 BST)

Gender bias in AI and data is a pressing issue that can significantly impact the development and application of technology. Biased data sets and algorithms can perpetuate and exacerbate gender disparities, potentially leading to discriminatory outcomes in areas such as hiring, lending, and predictive analytics, among others. This bias can further reinforce harmful stereotypes and limit opportunities. Addressing gender bias in AI and data requires proactive measures to include diverse representation in data collection, algorithm development, and decision-making processes. Ethical considerations and accountability are essential in ensuring that AI and data technologies promote fairness and equity for all individuals, regardless of gender.

The panel event on Unveiling Bias: Navigating Gender Disparities in Data and AI is part of the Ethical Data Discussion Series, presented by the Association of African Universities, the University of Nottingham, and the Ethical Data Initiative. This discussion series serves as a platform for advancing ethical data practices and fostering critical dialogue within the African academic and research community. Through engaging discussions and interactive sessions, the initiative aims to empower stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to navigate ethical challenges in data-driven research and decision-making.

This thought-provoking discussion will bring together experts in data science, artificial intelligence, and gender studies to examine the pervasive issue of gender bias in data and AI technologies. Our panellists will explore the impact of biased data on AI algorithms, its implications for marginalised communities, and strategies to mitigate and address gender bias in the development and deployment of AI systems and data-driven technologies.

Panellists

Kutoma Wakunuma is an Associate Professor at De Montfort University, focusing on the ethical implications of digital technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) on modern society, digital inclusion, and gender-related aspects within digital technology contexts. She also serves as an Ethics Advisor to the European Commission and is a regular speaker at international forums, contributing to global discussions on technology and society.

Oluwaseun Adepoju is a technology thought leader with over a decade of experience in the African technology and innovation space. He conducts research and speaks on various technology areas such as Blockchain, e-voting, digital society, algorithms, and e-governance. In his current role as a managing partner at CcHUB, he oversees the technology and society, design for health, and the Design Lab practices. Prior to this, he served as a research faculty member at the African Leadership University in Rwanda.

Garnett Achieng is a creative technologist with 4 years of experience in digital sociology, tech policy, and strategic communications. She currently works as a policy manager for a major social media platform, where she focuses on developing safety strategies for the platform’s users. Garnett’s career began at Policy, where she conducted research on online harms such as harassment and digital colonialism. As a Tech Policy fellow at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Garnett made recommendations to governments on strategies to combat gendered online violence in Africa. She is a passionate advocate for internet safety, especially for marginalised communities, and has also worked as a freelance correspondent on issues related to women’s rights and digital inclusion.

Moderator: Kathryn Bailey is a Professor of Research Governance Partnerships at the University of Exeter and also serves as Operations Director at the Ethical Data Initiative.