Microsoft Exec Warns Underrepresentation of Women Risks AI Bias

The underrepresentation of women in artificial intelligence (AI) poses a significant risk of embedding societal biases into future technologies, warns Himani Agrawal, Chief Partner Officer at Microsoft India. She emphasizes the need for diverse perspectives in AI development to prevent today's biases from becoming hardwired into technology. Agrawal advocates for early interventions to inspire young girls and strengthen mentorship networks to ensure women have the necessary skills and leadership opportunities. This is critical as AI increasingly affects vital sectors such as healthcare and finance, where biased data can reinforce existing inequalities. Companies must also adopt ethical practices in AI development by ensuring diverse, representative datasets and conducting ongoing audits to mitigate bias. Overall, fostering an inclusive culture is essential for both improving AI and supporting women in tech careers.