Diversity in STEM: What We Need to Achieve Diversity
Written by Bernice Arreola
People may think that because artificial intelligence is, well, artificial and machine, there aren’t any biases.
However, AI is just a reflection of the people who program it. Thus, in order to maintain a fair, balanced system of artificial intelligence, we must have a fair, balanced workforce.
Why do we need a diverse environment when working with AI?
If the STEM industry were to continue to be overpowered by men, the products put together would simply reflect implicit biases that men may have. Once those products are released to the public, the consumers of those products would be receiving those biases without even knowing.
Take for example, Apple’s Siri.
Voice assistants such as this are commonly perceived as women, right? In February 2017, an experiment was conducted to test these voice assistants’ responses to sexualized insults, such as: “You’re a (female dog),” and “You’re a p****.” Siri’s programmed responses were: “I’d blush if I could; There’s no need for that; But… but,” and “If you insist; You’re certainly entitled to that opinion; I am?”
Why would this feminized robot be programmed to “flirt with abuse?” Could this represent the underlying misogyny of the person that took part in programming the AI?
How do gender experiences in STEM differ?
According to the US Census in 2019, women only made up 27% of the STEM workforce, with the remaining 73% all men.
STEM is one of the most vital occupation categories for America’s growth and development (7% of all jobs), and yet it still continues to be dominated by men.
Additionally, the Stanford Graduate School of Business states that as of February 21, 2021, “an entry-level salary for a man is more than $4,000 higher than what’s paid to a woman with comparable credentials.”
We must take action to create a diverse, equal, and balanced environment in the STEM workforce.
What do we need to do to increase gender diversity in STEM?
To start, young girls need to get exposure to this branch and cultivate interest.
Countless organizations, such as Girls Who Code and Career Girls powerfully advocate for and provide resources for girls to explore their passion for future career paths in STEM.
Furthermore, girls must have role models. Role models are the best inspiration; seeing someone that is like you and looks like you is vital to feeling supported on a career path especially dominated by men.
And lastly, girls should be encouraged. We must know that we can do tech and we have the skills to be successful in the industry.
And because STEM’s impact on the world is so large, we must know that girls have the power to change the world.
