Empowering Women and Workers: Saiph Savage's Mission to Democratize AI
Saiph Savage is at the forefront of shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, particularly for women, workers, and rural communities in Latin America. The computer scientist is leading groundbreaking efforts at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where she oversees the Bio-Robotics Laboratory, introducing innovations like Justina, a household service robot. Saiph's vision extends globally as she advocates for human rights in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI. Her goal is to create AI systems that empower women workers.
Justina, created in 2006, is part of a UNAM initiative to bring robots closer to people, enhancing their quality of life. Saiph's work goes beyond robotics; she collaborates with various organizations and governments to leverage AI for social good. Her research, conducted in partnership with Northeastern University, UNAM, and Toloka, has significantly impacted digital workers in both the US and Mexico, increasing wages, facilitating skill development, and fostering fair digital work environments. Saiph's dedication has earned her recognition from UNESCO and MIT Tech Review, among others, positioning her as a leading figure in AI research and advocacy.
Source: Lagos, A. (2024, March 8). WIRED. https://es.wired.com/articulos/saiph-savage-por-una-ia-para-empoderar-a-las-mujeres-y-los-trabajadores
Leading Women Shaping AI in Latin America: Meet the Trailblazers
In Latin America, a cohort of researchers, entrepreneurs, advocates, and activists are taking charge of shaping the trajectory of artificial intelligence (AI) in the region. Among them:
- Carolina Aguerre: Advocates for ethical considerations in AI development and implementation, emphasizing the pivotal role of human decision-making.
- Claudia Del Pozo: Founded Eon Institute, a think-tank aiming to prepare society for future technological changes, while actively participating in governmental AI advisory roles.
- Constanza Gómez: A pioneer in developing AI policies and ethics frameworks in Mexico and globally, promoting inclusivity and responsible AI applications.
- Cristina Pombo: Leads innovative initiatives promoting responsible AI usage in Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on public-private partnerships and ethical guidelines.
- Cristina Martínez Pinto: Leads PIT Policy Lab, driving policy and governance frameworks for technology in the region, with a focus on responsible AI deployment.
Source: WIRED (March 08, 2024) https://es.wired.com/articulos/ellas-son-las-mujeres-que-nos-protegeran-de-los-riesgos-de-la-ia-en-america-latina
Women in STEM Professions: A Look at Reality Highlights the Need to Foster Female Tech Talent
On International Women's Day, attention is drawn to the ongoing struggle for growth in sectors like technology, where there is a pressing need to nurture female talent from a young age and encourage entrepreneurship to enrich companies with creativity and innovation.
Top executives and experts from IBM, BT, MIOTI, and HP shared insights with Europa Press on promoting involvement in the tech sector. Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in technology-related professions and studies, with only one in five ICT specialists and one in three STEM graduates being women. Fabiola Pérez, CEO of MIOTI Tech & Business School, highlighted the declining number of women graduating in STEM fields, despite excelling academically. Victoria Gómez, IBM's Sales Leader for Data and Artificial Intelligence Solutions, emphasized the persistent gender gap in technology professions, echoing challenges faced during her university years.
Despite increasing visibility of women in tech leadership, gender pay disparity persists, with men in tech sectors earning 8.6% more than women, according to a 2023 report by the Spanish Ministry of Economy. Addressing ingrained obstacles such as unconscious bias is crucial, noted Rocío Saénz, BT's Global Director of Life Science Industries. Anna Torrent Puig of HP stressed the essential role of women in science and technology, advocating for comprehensive changes at institutional, educational, and cultural levels to foster inclusivity. The need to engage young girls in technology and entrepreneurship was highlighted, emphasizing the importance of portraying technology as a tool for societal betterment and career advancement.
Initiatives like school outreach programs and competitions such as HP CodeWars aim to dispel stereotypes and stimulate interest in STEM fields. Promoting female participation in technology entrepreneurship is crucial, as diverse companies are more innovative and successful in the market. Fostering creativity and innovation among women is essential in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Closing the gender gap in STEM professions is not just about bolstering sustainable technological growth and innovation but is also deemed an economic, social, and justice imperative.
Source: Infobae Newsroom. (2024, March 8). Infobae. https://www.infobae.com/america/agencias/2024/03/08/mujeres-en-profesiones-stem-una-mirada-a-la-realidad-subraya-la-necesidad-de-fomentar-el-talento-tecnologico-femenino/
Microsoft, in collaboration with INSEAD Business School, has launched the second edition of the Power Women in Tech Awards to promote female talent and leadership in the technology sector. The awards aim to recognize women in leadership positions within Microsoft's partner ecosystem, considering their trajectory and contributions to innovation and inclusion. This year, the call has been expanded to 15 countries, with nominations accepted until May 8th and winners announced on June 24th. Microsoft's commitment to diversity and inclusion is highlighted, with efforts to empower women in technology and address the gender gap in STEM professions.
The awards, initiated in 2023, aim to spotlight female role models in STEM fields and inspire other women to pursue careers in technology, encouraging diversity and innovation. Despite women representing nearly half of total employment in non-ICT occupations, their representation in technology-related roles remains low, particularly in senior management positions. Microsoft's dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion underscores the importance of gender balance in the tech industry, essential for driving innovation and shaping a better future.
Source: Microsoft Press. (2024, March 8). https://news.microsoft.com/es-es/2024/03/08/microsoft-anuncia-la-segunda-convocatoria-de-los-premios-power-women-in-tech-awards-para-reconocer-e-impulsar-el-talento-femenino-entre-su-red-de-partners/
