Women In Technology Forum 2024 Explores Women's Impact On AI Growth And Opportunities

The Women in Tech Forum, hosted by the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation (SRTI) Park, focused on the rapidly expanding Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector. The event was attended by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SRTI Park. The forum's theme was "Leading the Charge: Women Shaping the Future of AI," highlighting women's potential roles in this growing field.

Sheikha Bodour emphasised the importance of women's involvement in AI and technology during her opening remarks. She stated, "In this era of rapid technological change, we have to create a future where women are at the forefront of AI and tech. It's not just about equality—it's about survival. By supporting women's access to tech and AI careers, we can shape the ethical foundations of these technologies, ensuring they benefit everyone. We must create opportunities that empower women to lead, innovate, and define a future that works for all of us."

The AI industry is projected to expand at an annual rate of 37.3 percent until 2030. This growth could generate approximately 97 million new jobs worldwide, according to the World Economic Forum. PwC notes that jobs requiring AI expertise are increasing faster than other sectors and offer up to a 25 percent wage premium on average.

Despite these opportunities, women remain underrepresented in AI roles globally. A 2020 report from the World Economic Forum indicated that only 26 percent of data and AI positions are held by women. Furthermore, Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI’s 2021 report found just 16 percent of tenure-track faculty in AI are women.

SRTI Park CEO Hussain Al Mahmoudi highlighted their commitment to empowering women in technology fields. He remarked: "SRTI Park is a proactive advocate of women's empowerment in the technology field, as demonstrated by the strong female presence in this science park. This aligns perfectly with our vision and mission to transform Sharjah into a hub for education, art, culture, and innovation."

The forum featured discussions on various topics such as ‘AI Governance and Gender Equality’, ‘Why we need Women in AI’, ‘AI and Women in the Creative Industries’ and ‘Women’s Health: AI as a preventative solution’. These sessions aimed to inspire more women to engage with AI professionally or entrepreneurially.

SRTI Park's Role in Innovation

SRTI Park is located in Sharjah and fosters an innovation ecosystem through collaboration between industry, government, and academia. It provides an environment that supports research & development while promoting enterprise activities. The park aims to enhance Sharjah's status as a global destination for research and technology by offering world-class infrastructure.

The 2024 WIT Forum seeks to empower women within the AI technology sector further. It aims to highlight their contributions while providing an environment conducive to professional growth and leadership opportunities for women.

With inputs from WAM