“I’d never thought about it” was one of the most significant phrases that emerged yesterday from the audience discussion during “Who’s in the AI Control Room?”, the Women in AI Italy talk we presented at TechVilla, as part of the Wave by Vento collateral events in Turin.
With Sabrina Scarpati (Femtech Italy APS), we addressed the question I continue to raise in different contexts: it’s not enough to ask how many women use artificial intelligence or work in the tech sector.
We need to ask ourselves who sets priorities, what problems are addressed, what data is used, and what perspectives enter into the design of technologies.
We discussed governance, innovation, women’s health, FemTech, and how gender inequalities can be incorporated into data, algorithms, and AI applications.
But the most interesting part came from the discussion with the audience.
Some men openly admitted that they had never asked themselves certain questions.
They didn’t retreat into a defensive or opposing position, but listened, discussed, acknowledged the existence of the problem, and shared the need for a cultural shift that involves everyone.
This is precisely the conversation we need.
Because gender equality isn’t just an issue for women.
And because we can’t build more equitable artificial intelligence without also challenging the culture, stereotypes, and power relations of the society that produces it.
Perhaps the first step to changing those in the AI control room is to broaden the awareness of those who haven’t yet addressed the issue.
Thanks to those who participated with curiosity, willingness to listen, and a desire to engage.
And thanks to TechVilla, Club Silencio, and Wave by Vento for hosting this space for dialogue.
