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In the digital age, artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, innovate, and collaborate. But can it also play a key role in the pursuit of professional equality between women and men? On the occasion of International Women’s Rights Day, we explore how AI, when well-designed and well-used, can help reduce bias and promote inclusion.
Through inspiring initiatives like those of Géraldine Bueken, founder of XR4HERITAGE, and reflections from experts gathered during the panel “Catalyzing Business Through AI” at MTL connect 2024, let’s discover how technology can become a true driver of change.
AI as a Lever for Professional Equality
Artificial intelligence, often seen as a disruptive technology, can also become a powerful tool for catalyzing equal opportunities. By automating recruitment processes, analyzing data to identify unconscious biases, or offering tailored training, AI helps create more equitable work environments. For example, algorithms can be designed to eliminate gender-based discrimination during candidate selection by focusing solely on skills and experience.
However, for AI to truly be a vector of equality, it must be developed and deployed inclusively. Women, who are still underrepresented in tech professions, must be involved in the design of these tools to ensure they meet everyone’s needs.
Géraldine Bueken and XR4HERITAGE: An Inspiring Model
Géraldine Bueken, an entrepreneur and founder of XR4HERITAGE, is a key figure in the convergence of technology and equality. Her project, XR4HERITAGE, uses immersive technologies like extended reality (XR) to enhance cultural heritage while creating inclusive professional opportunities. By placing innovation at the service of diversity, Géraldine demonstrates that new technologies can be a platform for expression and leadership for women.
Her commitment goes beyond her business. She advocates for greater representation of women in the technology sector and encourages young girls to pursue careers in AI, virtual reality, and innovation. For Géraldine, professional equality depends on education, training, and the creation of inspiring role models.
An Inspiring Panel: Catalyzing Business Through AI
During the MTL connect 2024 event, a discussion panel titled Catalyzing Business Through AI brought together renowned experts to share their knowledge and experiences on integrating artificial intelligence into businesses. Hosted by Sarah Mjidou, this panel explored concrete and pragmatic perspectives on digital transformation through AI.
Among the Speakers, Marc Boyer from Google, Simon Lauzier from CDPQ, Anne Nguyen from the Quebec Innovation Council, and David Marotte from KPMG shared their insights on the challenges and opportunities related to AI adoption. The discussions focused on:
- The importance of inclusion in AI development: diversifying technical teams is essential to designing equitable, representative, and adaptable technological solutions for everyone’s needs.
- Training and supporting employees: AI should not be seen as a threat but as a tool to enhance skills and unlock human potential.
- Ethics and responsibility: companies must adopt responsible practices to ensure AI is used transparently and fairly.
- Concrete successes: examples of AI applications across various sectors were presented, showing how this technology can improve efficiency while upholding inclusion values.
This panel also highlighted the crucial importance of female leadership in digital transformation. Anne Nguyen delivered an inspiring testimony on how public policies and innovative initiatives can break down barriers and accelerate equal opportunities in the technology sector. Her contribution underscored that building an inclusive digital future requires actively involving women in the design, governance, and evolution of technologies.
International Women’s Rights Day is much more than a celebration: it is a call to action. While notable progress has been made, many challenges remain. Artificial intelligence, when thoughtfully and inclusively deployed, can become a true engine of transformation. Figures like Géraldine Bueken and the experts from the MTL connect 2024 panel prove it: technology can and must serve equality.
Supporting initiatives that promote diversity, encouraging women to take ownership of digital tools, and shaping a future where innovation aligns with equity: this is how we will drive change. The shift is underway. It’s up to us to accelerate it.