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 quest for professional equality between women and men? On International Women’s Rights Day, we explore how AI, properly designed and used, can help reduce bias and promote inclusion.
Through inspiring initiatives like those of Géraldine Bueken,, founder of XR4HERITAGE, and insights from experts gathered at the “Catalyzing business through AI” panel at MTL connects 2024, let’s discover how technology can become a real driver of change.
AI, a lever for professional equality
Artificial intelligence, often perceived as a disruptive technology, can also become a powerful tool for catalyzing equal opportunities. By automating recruitment processes, analyzing data to identify unconscious bias, or offering tailored training, AI can create more equitable working environments. For example, algorithms can be designed to eliminate gender discrimination when selecting candidates, focusing solely on skills and experience.
However, for AI to truly drive equality, it must be developed and deployed inclusively. Women, who are still under-represented in the tech professions, need to be involved in the design of these tools to ensure they meet the needs of all.
Géraldine Bueken et XR4HERITAGE : un modèle inspirant
Géraldine Bueken, entrepreneure et fondatrice de XR4HERITAGE, est une figure de cette convergence entre technologie et égalité. Son projet, XR4HERITAGE, utilise les technologies immersives comme la réalité étendue (XR) pour valoriser le patrimoine culturel tout en créant des opportunités professionnelles inclusives. En plaçant l’innovation au service de la diversité, Géraldine démontre que les nouvelles technologies peuvent être un terrain d’expression et de leadership pour les femmes.
Son engagement va au-delà de son entreprise. Elle milite pour une plus grande représentation des femmes dans les secteurs technologiques et encourage les jeunes filles à se tourner vers les métiers de l’IA, de la réalité virtuelle et de l’innovation. Pour Géraldine, l’égalité professionnelle passe par l’éducation, la formation et la création de modèles inspirants.
An inspiring panel: Catalyzing the enterprise through AI
At the MTL connect 2024 event, a panel discussion entitled Catalyzing the enterprise through AI brought together renowned experts to share their knowledge and experience of integrating artificial intelligence into business. Moderated by Sarah Mjidou, the panel explored concrete, pragmatic perspectives on digital transformation through AI.
Among the speakers, Marc Boyer from Google, Simon Lauzier from CDPQ, Anne Nguyen of Conseil de l’innovation du Québec, and David Marotte shared their visions on the challenges and opportunities related to AI adoption. Discussions included:
- The importance of inclusion in AI development: diversifying technical teams is essential to designing technological solutions that are fair, representative and adapted to everyone’s needs.
- Employee training and support: AI should not be perceived as a threat, but as a tool to increase skills and release human potential.
- Ethics and responsibility: companies must adopt responsible practices to ensure that AI is used transparently and fairly.
- Real-life success stories: examples of AI applications in various sectors were presented, showing how this technology can improve efficiency while respecting values of inclusion.
The panel also highlighted the crucial importance of female leadership in digital transformation. Anne Nguyen gave an inspiring account of how public policy and innovative initiatives can break down barriers and accelerate equal opportunities in the technology sector. Her speech reminded us that to build an inclusive digital future, it is essential to actively involve women in the design, governance and evolution of technologies.
International Women’s Rights Day is much more than a celebration: it’s a call to action. While significant progress has been made, many challenges remain. Artificial intelligence, when thought out and deployed inclusively, can become a real engine of transformation. Figures like Géraldine Bueken and the experts on the MTL connects 2024 panel are proof that technology can and must serve equality.
Supporting initiatives that promote diversity, encouraging women to appropriate digital tools and shaping together a future where innovation rhymes with equity: this is how we will move the lines. Change is underway. It’s up to us to accelerate it.
