“This isn’t just a number’s problem; it’s about the future we’re building. If AI is shaping the world, then the people shaping AI need to reflect the world’s diversity. Otherwise, the biases of today risk becoming hardwired into the technology of tomorrow,” Agrawal said in an interview with PTI.
Encouraging women to lead in AI
Agrawal underscores the importance of early interventions—inspiring young girls, strengthening mentorship networks, and ensuring that women gain the skills and leadership opportunities necessary to shape AI advancements.
This, she believes, is essential to addressing the “leaky pipeline”, where many women struggle to enter and sustain careers in the tech industry.
The concern is especially pressing as AI increasingly impacts crucial sectors such as healthcare, finance, education, and employment. AI models trained on biased data can reinforce societal inequalities, creating a feedback loop that perpetuates discrimination.
At Microsoft, women make up 31.6% of the core workforce, and the company is actively working to improve inclusion. Agrawal also highlighted the need for greater female representation in cybersecurity, a rapidly expanding field where women remain significantly underrepresented.
Breaking barriers: From entry-level to leadership
For Agrawal, the real challenge is not just getting women into the workforce, but ensuring they thrive and advance.
“Technology has the power to be an equaliser, offering flexible careers, diverse roles, and limitless possibilities. Yet, the crucial transition from mid-level to leadership remains a hurdle for many women. That’s where an inclusive culture makes all the difference,” she said.
She stresses that inclusion goes beyond representation—it’s about reimagining workplaces so women don’t have to choose between ambition and balance. A supportive ecosystem, with mentorship and structured growth opportunities, can help women navigate career milestones with confidence.
“True inclusion is about more than representation; it’s about reimagining the way work fits into women’s lives. When we get the formula right — when technology, policies, and workplace culture work in harmony — we unlock limitless potential.”
Digital access as a right, not a privilege
Expanding broadband infrastructure, integrating AI-powered learning platforms into schools, and fostering digital literacy from an early age can transform barriers into opportunities, Agrawal noted. With the right digital tools and skills, women who once faced employment challenges can launch businesses, access new markets, and build sustainable careers without relocating.
She also advocates for an equitable workplace where men play an active role in driving inclusivity and not just be bystanders but allies.
[ad_1]
Source link