CII Centre for Women Leadership Hosts Roundtable on
AI & Gender Equity
AI & Gender Equity
New Delhi, August 5, 2024 - The CII Centre for Women Leadership organized a Roundtable on "State of AI: Opportunity or Challenges to Gender Equity." The event saw the participation of distinguished leaders to discuss the intersection of AI, technology, and gender equity, with a focus on fostering greater inclusion of women in STEM fields.
Mr. David Moyer, Education and Cultural Affairs Counselor, Public Diplomacy, U.S. Embassy, emphasized the critical need for equal representation in STEM, noting that currently, only 1 in 3 students from India to the US are women. He stressed that achieving gender balance is essential to addressing global challenges effectively.
Mercedes Soria, Executive Vice President of Software Engineering and Chief Intelligence Officer at Knightscope Inc, remarked, "AI is an equalizer. People with no tech knowledge can create companies and solve problems with AI. While concerns about job losses exist, new opportunities are emerging as part of the AI revolution."
Seema Arora, Deputy Director General at Confederation of Indian Industry, highlighted the indispensable role of technology in modern life, stating, "Technology has become a part of our daily lives. A strong foundation in STEM is no longer just an advantage; it is a fundamental requirement for sustainable growth and societal well-being. CII Centre for Women Leadership is committed to creating opportunities for women to participate, grow, and flourish at all levels of the Indian economy."
Mr. David Moyer, Education and Cultural Affairs Counselor, Public Diplomacy, U.S. Embassy, emphasized the critical need for equal representation in STEM, noting that currently, only 1 in 3 students from India to the US are women. He stressed that achieving gender balance is essential to addressing global challenges effectively.
Mercedes Soria, Executive Vice President of Software Engineering and Chief Intelligence Officer at Knightscope Inc, remarked, "AI is an equalizer. People with no tech knowledge can create companies and solve problems with AI. While concerns about job losses exist, new opportunities are emerging as part of the AI revolution."
Seema Arora, Deputy Director General at Confederation of Indian Industry, highlighted the indispensable role of technology in modern life, stating, "Technology has become a part of our daily lives. A strong foundation in STEM is no longer just an advantage; it is a fundamental requirement for sustainable growth and societal well-being. CII Centre for Women Leadership is committed to creating opportunities for women to participate, grow, and flourish at all levels of the Indian economy."
Key Highlights
The Roundtable acknowledged the increasing number of women choosing STEM fields, emphasizing the importance of policies and scholarships that focus on both enrollment and employability.
The need to bring rural women into STEM and the importance of going beyond education and integrating women into the workforce post-STEM education was discussed.
A recurring theme was that gender inclusion is treated as an afterthought, which needs to change as companies undergo the AI revolution. It is imperative to include women from the onset of such transformative technologies.
The U.S. Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to increasing the number of Indian women in STEM, highlighting ongoing initiatives to support this goal.
The importance of mentorship for women aspiring to enter STEM sectors was also emphasized as a crucial element for success.
The overall discussion emphasized the collective responsibility to ensure that women are not only included but are at the forefront of the technological transformations shaping our world.
Chile Entrepreneurs Delegation at CII
The CII Centre for Women Leadership had the honour of hosting a delegation of women entrepreneurs from Chile. The engaging interaction focused on understanding the diverse business environments and the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs across sectors. This exchange of insights aimed to promote women’s leadership and foster entrepreneurship in different sectors.
The discussions highlighted the importance of global collaboration in overcoming barriers and advancing women's roles in business. By sharing experiences and best practices, we are one step closer to creating a more inclusive and empowered entrepreneurial landscape for women worldwide.
The discussions highlighted the importance of global collaboration in overcoming barriers and advancing women's roles in business. By sharing experiences and best practices, we are one step closer to creating a more inclusive and empowered entrepreneurial landscape for women worldwide.
