Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the world, but who is shaping AI, and who benefits from its advancements? This was the central theme of Dr. Nici Sweaney’s keynote address at the AI for Developing Countries Forum (AIFOD), held at the United Nations Office in Geneva on 27–28 January 2025.
The AI for Developing Countries Forum (AIFOD) is a leading platform dedicated to harnessing AI for sustainable development, particularly in the Global South. By bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and AI ethicists, the forum tackles critical issues surrounding AI’s impact on equity, access, and governance.
“To ensure AI benefits all of humanity, we must address the inequalities in access, governance, and representation.” – AIFOD (aifod.org)
As a recognised thought leader in AI ethics and inclusion, Dr. Sweaney was invited to deliver a keynote on AI’s role in shaping opportunity—or exclusion—for women and marginalised communities. Her contributions to this critical discussion also led to her being awarded a Senior Fellowship at AIFOD, recognising her leadership in ethical AI governance and policy advocacy.
AI: A Double-Edged Sword
In her address, Dr. Sweaney challenged policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to confront an uncomfortable truth: AI is systematically failing women and marginalised communities—and unless we act now, the gap will only widen.
“Imagine a young girl seeking career guidance from an AI system. Instead of encouraging her towards leadership roles, the AI suggests traditional, gender-stereotyped positions. This is not hypothetical; it reflects the current state of many AI applications.”
AI is not just a neutral tool—it absorbs, reinforces, and scales existing biases. Instead of opening new opportunities, it risks becoming a gatekeeper that locks out underrepresented groups from the future of work.
Barriers to Inclusive AI
Dr. Sweaney outlined five critical barriers preventing women from fully participating in the AI-driven world:
1️⃣ Women Aren’t Building AI – Globally, women make up less than 30% of the AI workforce, meaning their perspectives are largely absent from AI system design.
2️⃣ The Data is Against Women – AI is trained on historical data that reflects past inequities rather than creating a future of equal opportunity.
3️⃣ Women Have Less Access to AI – In some regions, men are 52% more likely to have internet access, limiting women's ability to engage with AI technologies.
4️⃣ Women’s Jobs Are at Greater Risk – Nearly 80% of working women are in roles highly vulnerable to automation, compared to 58% of men.
5️⃣ AI Models Are Moving Further Away from Women – Because AI systems evolve based on user inputs, predominantly male engagement means these models are being shaped without women’s concerns or experiences in mind.
As Dr. Sweaney pointed out, this is not just a women’s issue—it’s a societal issue. AI, if left unchecked, could further entrench economic and professional disparities, limiting career growth and opportunities for millions.
A Call to Action: Ethical AI and Inclusive Governance
Dr. Sweaney urged global leaders to take three immediate actions to ensure AI uplifts rather than entrenches inequality:
✔ Build Ethical AI Literacy – AI should not be a black box controlled by a select few. Governments, businesses, and educators must prioritise AI education so people can critically evaluate and challenge AI-driven decisions.
✔ Foster Gender Equity in AI – From AI development to leadership roles, systemic barriers excluding women from AI must be dismantled through targeted training, mentorship, and inclusive hiring policies.
✔ Ensure Adaptive, Inclusive AI Governance – Regulation must evolve with AI advancements. Governance frameworks should balance innovation with oversight, ensuring AI benefits all of society—not just a privileged few.
Dr. Sweaney made it clear:
“The future of AI is a choice we make today. We must ensure that AI serves as a tool for empowerment, not exclusion.”
Her recognition as a Senior Fellow at AIFOD further reinforces her ongoing commitment to shaping AI policy and governance on a global scale.
AI Her Way’s Commitment to Ethical AI
At Ai Her Way, we are committed to ensuring that AI is designed, implemented, and governed responsibly. Our work supports:
✔ AI Literacy and Education – Equipping individuals and businesses with the knowledge to engage with AI critically and ethically.
✔ Diversity in AI – Advocating for policies and programmes that increase women's representation in AI development and leadership.
✔ AI Governance and Strategy – Helping organisations build AI strategies that align with ethical and sustainable business practices.
AI is not inevitable—it’s a choice. The question is, who is making that choice?
🔗 Join the movement for ethical AI adoption. Let’s ensure AI works for everyone—not just a select few.
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