On March 6, Invest Ottawa and IBM championed International Women’s Month (IWM) by spotlighting the growing influence of women in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
This year @Hive, we will be launching an AI learning series, so it was wonderful to attend this captivating panel discussion and learn more from industry leaders as they explored the opportunities and challenges facing women in AI.
Here are our takeaways:
Bridging the Gender Gap in AI Leadership
The tech industry, particularly AI, has a well-documented gender gap. @Sonia Shorey, Interim President and CEO, Invest Ottawa, acknowledged this in her opening remarks. She emphasized the event’s role in bridging this gap by empowering women in tech leadership roles.
@Aneeta Bains, a distinguished AI leader who collaborated with Invest Ottawa for the event, echoed this sentiment. Bains highlighted AI’s transformative potential and the critical need for diversity in leadership. She pointed to the concerning statistic that women hold less than 20% of leadership positions in technology. This lack of diversity hinders innovation and limits AI’s potential to address global challenges.
The panel discussion further explored this theme. Panelists, all successful women in AI, stressed the importance of fostering an inclusive environment in companies working in AI. They encouraged organizations to implement mentorship programs and unconscious bias training to create a more welcoming space for women in AI.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in AI
A significant focus of the event was on the importance of early education and exposure to STEM fields for young girls. It’s clear that the journey to leadership in AI begins long before one enters the workforce. Educational initiatives and community programs play a crucial role in demystifying technology and science for young girls, showing them that a career in AI is within reach. Invest Ottawa is pioneering efforts to create these opportunities, offering workshops, mentorship programs, and events designed to ignite a passion for technology and innovation in the next generation.
Beyond Technical Skills: The Soft Skills Advantage
The panel discussion, featuring successful women in AI, brought to light the multifaceted skill set required to excel in this field. Technical prowess is just the tip of the iceberg; soft skills such as leadership, empathy, creative thinking, and effective communication are equally vital. These industry leaders stressed the importance of building a personal brand and cultivating a professional network that supports and uplifts women in their AI careers.
Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities in Canada’s AI Ecosystem
The limited availability of specialized AI programs at Canadian universities is a notable hurdle. However, the panellists emphasized the growing number of opportunities in AI, thanks to government initiatives, Startup incubators, and the presence of multinational tech companies. These developments not only enhance Canada’s position in the global AI landscape but also create new pathways for women to contribute to and lead in the field.
A Collective Effort Towards a Diverse AI Future
The insights shared during this IWM 2024 event underscore a critical message: the future of AI must be shaped by a diverse array of voices and perspectives. Addressing the gender disparity in AI is not just about fairness; it’s about harnessing the full spectrum of human creativity and intelligence to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. As we move forward, it’s imperative that we continue to support and amplify the voices of women in AI, fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to innovate and lead.
Join the Conversation!
We’re eager to hear your thoughts on advancing the representation of women in AI and technology. What strategies do you believe are most effective in supporting women in this field? How can organizations, both in the public and private sectors, contribute to this change? Share your ideas and join the discussion below. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive, innovative, and equitable future in AI.
Additional Resources
- Invest Ottawa: https://www.investottawa.ca/
- Resources to encourage girls in STEM careers: Girls Who Code | Canada
- International Women’s Day: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
Women in AI (WAI): Canada | Women in AI (WAI)