The gender gap in AI is attributed to several factors, including discrimination and lack of opportunities for women in the field. A Deloitte survey revealed that 78% of women did not have the opportunity to intern in AI or machine learning during their undergraduate studies, and 73% considered leaving the tech industry due to unequal pay and lack of career advancement. The article suggests that strong mentorship, commitment, and leading by example, as well as policies that elevate women in the AI industry, can help address this disparity.
Key takeaways:
- TechCrunch is launching a series of interviews to highlight the contributions of women in the field of AI, a sector where they are significantly underrepresented.
- Despite significant contributions from women in the past, the gender gap in AI is widening, with women making up only 16% of tenure-track faculty focused on AI and holding only 26% of analytics-related and AI positions.
- Reasons for this disparity include discrimination, lack of opportunities for internships in AI or machine learning, and unequal pay and career advancement opportunities.
- The article suggests that strong mentorship, commitment, leading by example, and organizational policies that elevate women in the AI industry can help to address this issue.