Strengthening AI through women’s contributions at every phase

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, changing how we work, communicate, and solve global challenges. India is at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption, and innovation with recent research by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) revealing that 30 percent of Indian companies are effectively leveraging AI to drive maximum value. However, the true impact of AI is not solely determined by the technology itself but by the people who design, build, and implement it.

Women have played a crucial role in AI’s evolution, contributing at every stage as India leads in AI skill development among women, with a growth rate 1.7 times higher than other nations. This highlights India’s strong emphasis on AI education and workforce development, particularly in bridging the gender gap in the tech industry.

Women’s Role in AI: Shaping the Future at Every Stage

Women’s participation in AI is crucial for creating more inclusive and equitable systems. Their contributions help reduce biases, drive innovation, and ensure AI-driven solutions cater to diverse needs. Gender-diverse teams can elevate innovation and resilience, contributing to improved financial outcomes. If every company scored high on measures of an inclusive culture, the number of women in tech will reach to 3 million young women working in tech in 2030, 1.4 million more than there will be if current trends continue.

A workplace that prioritizes inclusivity can lower the attrition rates, and have more women in leadership roles, which can significantly benefit CFOs and CIOs. A diverse AI workforce improves decision-making, improves AI transparency, governance, and fairness, reduces algorithmic bias, and enhances product development catering to more diverse audiences, directly impacting business efficiency and competitiveness. For CFOs, this translates to stronger revenue growth and lower turnover costs, while CIOs gain access to a broader talent pool that drives technological advancements and digital transformation. Ultimately, gender diversity strengthens organizational resilience, positioning companies for long-term success in an AI-driven world.

My Journey in AI

As a woman navigating the technology landscape, I have experienced both challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field. Early in my career, I was often one of the few women in the room, facing scepticism about my technical abilities. Instead of letting these moments discourage me, I saw them as opportunities to prove that I belong in tech just as much as anyone else.

A defining factor in my success has been the inclusive work environment that empowered me to take the lead on something as cutting-edge as AI—free from biases. This acceptance has given me the confidence and space to design and create future-forward AI solutions for CFOs and CIOs. I strongly believe that every aspiring woman in technology should have the same opportunity to thrive in an environment where merit is valued over gender.

What drives me forward is the belief that every step we take today paves the way for the next generation of women in AI.

Inspiring the next generation

Women remain underrepresented in AI, accounting for only 22% of professionals and 18% of conference authors, according to a 2022 World Economic Forum report. Achieving greater gender balance in AI development is essential to creating unbiased systems.

To advance women's participation in AI innovation, the Indian government has launched multiple initiatives, including education programs, scholarships, and specialized institutions focused on AI and STEM fields. Programs like AI for All by NITI Aayog and the National AI Strategy aim to promote AI literacy and upskill women in AI-related domains. These initiatives equip women with the necessary resources to build careers in AI, drive technological advancements, and develop cutting-edge innovations that enhance efficiency and automation across industries.

Women bring invaluable insights and diverse problem-solving approaches to AI, ensuring that technology is designed with a broader understanding of human experiences. The more women contribute to AI at every stage, the more inclusive, ethical, and impactful this transformative technology will become.

Authored by Geetanjli Dhanjal, Managing Director at Yantra – A Riveron Company