A new report by social enterprise Code First Girls and Tech Talent Charter reveals that the current approach to technology skills development is ‘not fit for purpose,’ leaving women at an increased risk of ‘being left behind’ in the age of AI.
The report highlights that women are 40 percent more likely to have their work replaced by automation than men.
It is also revealed that 80 percent of women in tech say they are not receiving the career development opportunities they desire.
Titled ‘Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: Inclusive Skills Development in the Age of AI,’ the report calls on tech leaders to urgently implement upskilling and reskilling programs.
These initiatives are crucial to ensuring women are valued and empowered to succeed in an increasingly automated world.
Guidelines for managing the development of AI
The report outlines ten key recommendations for tech leaders, including prioritising skills mapping, reshaping recruitment processes, and establishing ethical guidelines and policies for AI. The urgency of these measures is underscored by estimates that 1 billion jobs will be transformed by technology and 43 percent of work tasks will become automated by 2027. With women being 40 percent more likely to have their work replaced by AI automation, companies that fail to introduce upskilling initiatives risk further entrenching gender disparities in the tech sector.
A survey conducted by Code First Girls found that 41 percent of women are worried that AI could replace their current roles, and 30 percent report that their companies do not provide opportunities for skill development to adapt to these changes. Investing in training and development programs is essential for companies to bridge this gap.
AI isn’t immune to human bias
Anna Brailsford, CEO and Co-Founder of Code First Girls, stated, “AI development, while promising, isn’t immune to human bias. With 90 percent of software engineers being men, there’s a risk that AI adoption may perpetuate societal biases. Inclusive reskilling is capable of releasing the fullest spectrum of our human intelligence and creativity, unhindered by the biases of the status quo. This report is a pathway for tech employers to facilitate these programs, with inclusivity at their core.”
Karen Blake, Co-CEO of Tech Talent Charter, added, “In the ever-changing landscape of technology, it is crucial to create inclusive skills programs for the future. This goes beyond just a strategic plan; it reflects our commitment to fairness and progress. By embracing diversity, we can unlock the full potential of emerging technologies and create a future where everyone, regardless of their background, can thrive and make meaningful contributions. We need to be intentional in our approach to upskilling and reskilling, and create an environment that supports lifelong learning, values different skill sets, and encourages individual differences. When we develop inclusive skills programs, we are not just closing gaps; we are paving the way for progress and prosperity.”
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
