The Imperative of Women’s Equal Participation in Decision-Making in Shaping Technologies of the Future
Intervention by Women At The Table CEO Caitlin Kraft-Buchman
Chair, distinguished colleagues,
Congratulations for your vision and articulation of the paradigm shift that Gender Recommendation 40 so elegantly lays out. Women at the Table was thrilled to co-lead expert meetings on ‘Parity as a response to the crisis of the systems of governance today” and “AI – a risk factor and/or driver of structural change?”, and we want to speak today to highlight the urgent imperative of women’s equal participation in decision-making in shaping the technologies of the future
As we confront the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, algorithms, and new emerging technologies, we must acknowledge that these emerging technologies will shape every aspect of our societies—from economic growth to governance, from healthcare to education. Yet, despite their transformative power, women remain significantly underrepresented in the creation and governance of technologies. To ensure that women enjoy their full rights in decision-making processes, we must address this imbalance with concrete, targeted actions.
First, we must close the gender gap in STEM fields, starting with comprehensive educational reforms. This means introducing targeted scholarships, mentorship programs, and career pathways for girls and women, especially in marginalized communities, to study and thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This must be coupled with an urgent overhaul of educational curricula to challenge and dismantle stereotypes that discourage women from pursuing careers in these fields.
Second, States must adopt policies that mandate gender parity in leadership positions across the technology sector. Public and private sectors must set and meet measurable targets to ensure women are present in leadership roles in technology companies, research institutions, and in the development of national and global technology policies. These policies should include gender audits of major tech firms and initiatives to identify and address structural barriers to women’s advancement.
Third, we must create enabling environments in which women can contribute fully to technological innovation. This requires gender responsive public procurement, flexible work arrangements, access to affordable childcare, and institutional support to allow women to balance caregiving responsibilities with leadership roles. Moreover, women working in technology must be protected from gender-based violence and harassment, which remains a significant barrier to their continued participation and success in male-dominated sectors.
Finally, States must adopt regulatory frameworks that require gender equality in the design of emerging technologies. This includes conducting gender impact assessments for AI and NETS algorithmic systems to ensure they do not perpetuate harmful biases. PLUS Governments should also provide incentives for the development of inclusive technologies—such as funding for women-led tech startups and dedicated focus on projects aimed at addressing issues that disproportionately affect women.
The future of decision-making will increasingly be shaped by technologies we create today. We must commit to ensuring that women are not only equal users of technology but equal architects of the digital world. We call on governments, private industry, and civil society to work together to ensure that the voices, perspectives, and contributions of women and girls in all their diversity are integrated at every stage of technological development.
Thank you.
Last modified: November 22, 2024