I had the pleasure of contributing this article to Donne 4.0’s April newsletter:
When Women Enter Algorithms: The DE.A Project Is Born from AIxWomen
From the experience of AIxWomen in Turin, DE.A – Women and Algorithms for Equity – takes shape: an interdisciplinary project that combines research, empowerment, and participation to build more just and inclusive artificial intelligence.
The AixWomen edition in Turin has become something more, a university project, sharing a need: if AI is redefining decision-making processes, economic models, and public services, it is essential to question who designs these technologies and what perspectives and values they embody. It is from this awareness that DE.A – Women and Algorithms for Equity – was born, a project promoted by CIRSDe – the Interdisciplinary Center for Research and Studies of Women and Gender at the University of Turin, in collaboration with Donne 4.0 and the Equality Advisor of the Piedmont Region.
The reflections that emerge during the AIxWomen editions highlight critical issues that can no longer be ignored: the persistent underrepresentation of women in technology sectors, the digital skills gap, and the risks of discrimination present in algorithmic systems that increasingly influence decisions regarding employment, education, and access to services.
DE.A was created to transform these critical issues into a path of research and action. The goal is to critically analyze the gender inequalities present in artificial intelligence systems and, at the same time, promote female empowerment in the design, development, and use of digital technologies.
The project is developed through a highly interdisciplinary approach involving various departments at the University of Turin, from computer science to psychology, from law to sociology, from economics to linguistic studies. This diverse range of perspectives allows us to address the issue of algorithmic bias not only from a technical perspective, but also from a cultural, social, and regulatory perspective.
Alongside research, DE.A envisions a strong educational and participatory dimension. Workshops dedicated to the student community and meetings open to the public will be held to reflect on topics such as artificial intelligence and gender stereotypes, algorithmic justice, and career opportunities for STEM careers. The goal is to strengthen critical digital skills and help reduce the gender gap in technological innovation.
A distinctive element of the project will be local involvement. Through co-design sessions with institutions, businesses, and the third sector, DE.A will work to develop guidelines and operational tools to promote a more equitable and responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Donne 4.0 plays a central role in this process. Drawing on its experience in digital empowerment projects and the AIxWomen and AIxGirls initiatives, our association will contribute to the design of activities, the building of bridges between universities and civil society, and the dissemination of project results.
DE.A therefore represents much more than a research project. It’s an attempt to build a new space for dialogue between technology, rights, and inclusion. Because algorithms are not neutral: they reflect the data they’re trained on, the choices of those who design them, and the worldviews they embrace.
Increasing women’s presence and voice in the AI ecosystem means helping to build technologies that are fairer, more representative, and better able to respond to society’s complexity.
On a final positive note, the CRT Foundation has decided to support this project with resources that will be allocated to the fellows who will support its implementation.
