Disrupting Digital Development

Technology and digital developments like Artificial Intelligence are undoubtedly changing the world… but whose world? Did they simply forget about women?

In this episode, we explore how and why gender bias appears to be wired into technology design and is now being built into AI. We consider what this means for women, and how individuals and organisations are attempting to reverse the trend. How was it even possible that AI tools reinforcing gender role stereotypes were released without thought? And that a credit rating algorithm automatically favours men over women? Issues such as these highlight a crisis in representation. They adversely impact women’s opportunities, health and life experiences.

We speak to Professor Londa Schiebinger, Professor of History of Science at Stanford University, Marija Butkovic from Women of Wearables and TB Bardlavens, from Product Equity at Adobe about their work to expose and address these biases. Can we see a future where innovation, ethics and social equality combine to create fair representation and impact in technology development?

Plus we hear from Dr Nigina Muntean and Lalita Taylor, who are part of the Equity 2030 Alliance, a global initiative bringing together a diversity of voices to shape development in a more equitable way.

Learn more here:

Prof Londa Schiebinger

Marija Butkovic

Timothy Bardlavens

A co-production between the UNFPA and City St George’s, University of London.

Produced by Jackie Imas and Melusi Ncala. Executive Producer: Brett Spencer. Artwork by Yaman Mohammed. With thanks to Nathalie Bastin, Emma Heitaniemi and Maria Julia Da Silva Benini.

Main theme by Ben Edwards. Additional music by Ezra Muiruri, Alana Jordan, Fabien Leclair, DesiFreeMusic, Jungleroomaudio and Karim Tafna.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.