The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the tech world, but we can’t ignore the ongoing diversity crisis in the industry. While AI could have incredible potential, we need to question if its development will ultimately help or hurt us.
At the recent Computer Weekly and Harvey Nash diversity in tech event, Bev White, CEO of Harvey Nash’s parent company, Nash Squared, emphasized that we must actively create spaces for underrepresented groups in tech. She pointed out that the slow progress in diversity means we all need to step up. White said, “It’s on us, all of us – not just HR or the top executives – to make a change. Every time we hire or promote someone, we have to think about how we’re providing opportunities.” This commitment needs to be part of our daily actions if we want to see real progress.
As technologies like generative AI advance, this message is more urgent. A report from Nash Squared found that 75% of workers are using generative AI. That makes it crucial that the teams behind these technologies reflect the diverse population that uses them. If the creators don’t understand the needs and perspectives of all users, how can the technology effectively serve everyone?
Yet, instead of ramping up diversity initiatives, many companies are scaling back due to budget cuts and fears of backlash from missteps. This could have dire consequences for AI development. Without balanced teams that properly consider end-users, we may continue encountering significant problems.
Maria Axente, the head of AI public policy and ethics at PwC, addressed how tech often develops under the mindset of “just because we can.” She highlighted the importance of asking who technology is meant to serve and who should be part of the design conversations. She defined AI ethics as working towards a vision of a good life with AI and stressed that considerable bias in tech development has been a longstanding issue.
Beckie Taylor, co-founder of Tech Returners, provided an example of bias in an AI screening tool created by a predominantly male team that ended up disadvantaging female applicants. Though the issue was quickly fixed, it highlights the crucial need for diverse perspectives in tech processes. As Taylor put it, “AI is made by people, it’s built by people, it’s deployed by people,” meaning the backgrounds and experiences of those people matter significantly.
Axente pointed out that many women in tech have fought against bias while facing backlash themselves, and we owe it to them to ensure tech benefits everyone. Shifting the focus to “person-centric AI” is essential, as the future of technology should involve collaboration rather than competition.
Meanwhile, the number of women in tech roles has dwindled over the years, creating a disturbing trend. Jasmin Guthmann from the MACH Alliance emphasized that real change won’t happen without collective effort. She believes involving male allies is vital for all voices to be heard. Currently, only 13% of IT directors in the UK come from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, and women hold just a quarter of CIO positions in FTSE 100 companies.
Guthmann encouraged individuals and allies alike to advocate for change by nominating others for opportunities and ensuring diverse perspectives are included in discussions. She urged everyone to be that voice for change, reminding us that innovation thrives when we collaborate.
The power of collaboration became evident when Emma Wright of Harbottle & Lewis rallied women in tech against government plans that would have limited angel investment from women. This proposed change would have severely impacted female-led businesses, as research shows female founders generate more revenue than their male counterparts. Wright’s background in law and tech uniquely positioned her to rally support for the investHER campaign, which successfully reversed the harmful law.
But achieving broad representation in tech development is still a challenge. Former subpostmaster Jo Hamilton recounted her experience with the faulty Horizon system that falsely accused her of financial discrepancies, resulting in her owing the Post Office significant sums. All this, without any training or support, served as a stark reminder of the need for empathy in tech design.
Hamilton advised developers to keep in mind those who lack technical skills. She underscored the importance of designing technology with end-users in mind — especially those who may not have a tech background.
As we look to the future of AI and other technologies, it’s clear that we need everyone involved in the conversation, from educators to individuals, to build more inclusive and effective solutions. If we fail to ensure diverse input in shaping technology, not everyone will experience its benefits.