Women in AI and Data Science: A conversation with Prof. Dr Mascha Kurpicz-Briki
For this article, we spoke to Prof. Dr Mascha Kurpicz-Briki, a professor of computer science and researcher in the field of AI.
Prof. Dr. Mascha Kurpicz Briki
What is the current state of gender representation in AI and data science, particularly in Switzerland?
The available data shows a clear and persistent imbalance. Globally, the proportion of women in AI professions stands at around 20 to 30 per cent [1] [2]. In Switzerland, this disparity is also pronounced. Women account for only around a quarter of the workforce in the tech sector as a whole [3]. Looking specifically at technical professions, the figure is even lower. For example, the proportion of women in ICT apprenticeships stands at around 16% and has been stagnating at this level for many years [4].
This is a great shame, as these professions are very exciting and also a great choice for women: they require smart and creative solutions for real-world applications, the practical benefits of which are often immediately apparent.
Why is this under-representation problematic from a scientific and societal perspective?
From a scientific perspective, it is crucial to understand that data-driven AI systems are not neutral. Numerous studies show that they can reproduce existing societal biases. This happens, amongst other things, when data and development teams lack diversity. Such biases pose a key risk to society as a whole from current AI systems.
Therefore, when developing such systems, different perspectives are needed so that the right questions can be asked. This encompasses more than just gender: diversity in a wide variety of respects is important here. The more different perspectives that can be brought to bear during development, as well as during the deployment and procurement of such solutions, the sooner risks can be identified early on and actively addressed.
What specifically is needed to attract more women to the fields of AI and data science, and what role do initiatives such as Women in Data Science Zurich play?
There are both structural and cultural factors that need to be addressed. These include, for example, supporting women throughout the entire pipeline: from education to career development. At the same time, a lack of networks and visibility can pose significant barriers, as can cultural stereotypes regarding technical professions, which unfortunately still persist in some people’s minds.
The visibility of other women as role models is also a key aspect. A fine example is the Women in Data Science conference [5], which takes place regularly in Zurich. Such events create platforms for exchange and raise the profile of the issue. You can already register for the event this June: https://www.wids.ch/
[1] https://www.unesco.org/reports/science/2021/en/women-digital-revolution
[2] https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/new-ilo-data-confirm-women-face-higher-workplace-risks-generative-ai-men
[3] https://www.diversity-inclusion-platform.ch/the-unseen-code-unlock-switzerlands-female-tech-potential/
Dr Mascha Kurpicz-Briki is Professor of Data Engineering at the Institute for Data Applications and Security IDAS at Bern University of Applied Sciences, and Deputy Head of the Applied Machine Intelligence research group. Her research focuses, among other things, on the topic of fairness and the digitalisation of social and community challenges.
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