As the sun cast an autumnal glow over Istanbul, the 6th International Women and Justice Summit commenced at Haliç University. This gathering, orchestrated by the Women and Democracy Association (KADEM), assembled a diverse array of voices to explore the nuanced relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and gender justice. The focus of this year’s summit, “Artificial Intelligence and Women,” highlighted both the potential benefits and inherent risks AI poses to women’s lives on a global scale.
During the summit, I had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Elif Yılmaz, a noted researcher in AI ethics. Her reflections provided invaluable insight into the crucial dialogues that unfolded, particularly concerning the significant gender disparity within the AI industry. Presently, women represent a mere 22% of the AI workforce, a statistic that raises substantial concerns about diversity and inclusivity in this rapidly evolving field.
The summit’s opening ceremony resonated with a palpable sense of hope and determination, as described by Dr. Yılmaz. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech that underscored the challenges AI presents, especially regarding gender bias. Dr. Yılmaz remarked, “Hearing the President recognise the issue of AI-induced gender bias was encouraging. His appeal for inclusive AI algorithms resonated with many of us who have long championed diversity in technology sectors.” This sentiment set a promising tone for the subsequent discussions.
Panel discussions at the summit were as varied as they were enlightening, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and academics to scrutinise the intersection of AI and gender justice. Dr. Yılmaz highlighted a particularly engaging panel on “Democratic Advocacy and Rights-Based Activism.” Here, speakers like Mikheil Sarjveladze and Fatmir Limani emphasised the ethical development of AI to avoid perpetuating existing gender biases. Dr. Yılmaz found the contributions of Maimouna Dieye from Senegal and Maya Morsy from Egypt particularly impactful. Dieye’s focus on equipping women with the necessary skills to seize new AI-driven job opportunities, alongside Morsy’s advocacy for female inclusion in AI decision-making processes, underscored the urgent need for policies that reflect and address the realities faced by women today.
Nonetheless, the persistent gender gap within the AI industry cast a long shadow over the summit’s proceedings. Dr. Yılmaz candidly discussed the systemic barriers women encounter in this field. “The fact that women occupy only 22% of AI roles, predominantly in lower-level positions, highlights the vast distance we still need to cover,” she noted. Sümeyye Erdoğan Bayraktar’s call for increased opportunities for women in technology was more than just a plea; it was a rallying cry, reminding attendees that diversity is not merely a formality but a critical component of innovation and equity.
Beyond the immediate industry concerns, the summit also addressed broader societal implications of AI, particularly relating to social justice. A poignant moment recounted by Dr. Yılmaz involved discussions on AI’s role in humanitarian crises, with a focused examination of Gaza. The panel discussion on “AI-Supported Genocide: Gaza” served as a sobering reminder of AI’s dual capacity to either exacerbate or alleviate such crises. This topic underscored the ethical responsibilities inherent in AI development and deployment.
As the summit reached its conclusion, Dr. Yılmaz reflected on a collective resolve to tackle the gender disparity in AI. “This gathering was more than a series of discussions; it was a clarion call for action,” she asserted. “We must establish universal standards to ensure AI benefits all of humanity without discrimination.” Emine Erdoğan eloquently captured this sentiment, stating that justice is the bedrock of peace and harmony.
Ultimately, the 6th International Women and Justice Summit affirmed the power of dialogue and collaboration in confronting global challenges. For Dr. Yılmaz and countless others, it represented a stride towards a future where AI is harnessed as a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion. As she departed Istanbul, Dr. Yılmaz carried with her a revitalised sense of purpose and a steadfast commitment to bridging the gender gap in AI—one conversation, one action at a time.
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