T


he UK’s first nationwide women in technology week took place in October. It featured over 70 events on career development and driving equality and innovation in the tech industry


forward. Topics included pivoting careers to removing barriers, male allyship and pathways. As AI continues to redefine the technology landscape,


the need for diverse perspectives has never been more crucial. A panel moderated by WeAreTechWomen founder, Dr Vanessa Vallely OBE, explored the topic of AI and inclusion with an intersectional panel from different tech areas at Cognizant. Panellists shared their individual journeys in tech


and offered a unique lens on how diverse identities, including faith, race, gender, economics and sexuality, intersect with the fast-evolving world of technology. On the panel were Lea Bellion, project manager, Esther Duran, chief experience, design and product officer, Azin Fathi, director of partner sales and expansion, Yinka Okunlola, director, and Sinni Simpson, head of delivery management and operations.


” FIFTEEN PER CENT OF THE UK’S TECH WORKFORCE IS FROM ETHNICALLY DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS AND GENDER DIVERSITY STANDS AT 19%. WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS AND WHAT CAN ORGANISATIONS DO TO ADDRESS THESE GAPS?”


AZIN FATHI: I think some of the root causes in my experience lie in stereotyping at an early age. A common stereotype is that STEM fields are for males. Women are often viewed as carers, or biological carriers, which supposedly make them ‘better suited’ for healthcare or education and ‘less suited’ for areas like engineering or computer science. AI carries this bias too. If you ask ChatGPT for a


description or image of a typical finance worker, firefighter or aerospace engineer it will bring you up a male. AI bias is an issue that many organisations are working on, but it’s an ongoing issue.


59


GLOBAL LEADERSHIP


E QUITY


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