The fight against stereotypes
One crucial step toward ethical AI is to fight against stereotypes both in the AI workplace, and its products algorithms and data. The Diversity Commission addresses this major challenge.
An algorithm can become “sexist” due to the fact that learning data can be biased. In addition, sexist biases can creep into algorithms, as they are 88% designed by men (Aude Bernheim et Flora Vincent, “Intelligence Artificielle : pas sans elles“, collection « Égale à Égal »). In response to this, biases in data and algorithms need to be detected and eliminated, which is a major research focus of ANITI. But another, equally important solution is to increase the presence of women researchers and engineers in computer science.
Historically, women occupied an important place in computer science, but they are increasingly absent from this field. Moreover, AI is multidisciplinary, from mathematics to cognitive sciences, neurosciences and computer science. Gradually all of these subjects have become more masculinized. The topic Digital studies and Computer Science specialty was chosen in 2020 by 15 to 20% of high school students, of which less than 3% are girls. There are barely 10% female students at the university in computer science.
There are barely 10% female students at the university in computer science. In the end, AI suffers from this lack of female participation (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics). It is, however, possible to re-interest girls in science in general, and digital in particular. For example, schools such as Girls who Code in the United Statesare very successful.
Given this observation, ANITI has set up a commission to contribute to gender diversity in AI. Beyond improving the rate of female presence in ANITI, the aim is to sensitize the general public to the issues of ethical AI and to encourage women of all ages to work in AI fields. * Aude Bernheim and Flora Vincent, Artificial Intelligence: not without them, collection “Equal to Equal”,
To read: Plus de femmes dans les STEM : science, technologie, ingénierie et mathématiques. ( journaldunet.com
Actions
The commission initiates and launches actions to combat prejudice about AI and to fight against gender stereotypes. The target is primarily girls and boys in the school environment, because it is known that stereotypes are entrenched from an early age. The commission also aims to increase over time the number of girls in AI professions.
The commission ensures the representation of women in the events in which ANITI participates. It is also vigilant on the gender aspect in the diffusion of scientific culture, such as the creation of an educational game for high school students that includes awareness of bias and a debate on the challenges of an acceptable AI.
These actions are carried out in coordination with the Rectorate, the Region, academic institutions, and associations that work against gender inequality.
In addition, our program Mentor’IA connects female students in undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, or post-doctoral programs with AI specialists from both academia and industry. The purpose of this specialized support is to help them gain information, find their path, and build a professional network.
Mentor’IA
To guide female students toward artificial intelligence career paths and professions.
In 2020–2021, women made up barely 30% of the student body in engineering programs and accounted for 20% of those enrolled in CIFRE doctoral programs in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Once hired, they also face the impact of the “glass ceiling” on their careers and encounter male-dominated work environments where finding one’s place can sometimes be difficult (Bach Ouerdian, E. G., Malek, A. & Dali, N. (2018). L’effet du mentorat sur la réussite de carrière : quelles différences entre hommes et femmes ? Relations industrielles / Industrial Relations, 73(1), 117–145.)
What is mentoring, and what is its purpose?
Launched in February 2021 by ANITI’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, the Mentor’IA program is designed for female students—whether at the bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or postdoctoral level—who wish to receive personalized guidance from an artificial intelligence professional from academia or industry.
Mentors can share their professional experiences, while mentees receive support regarding their career choices and help build a network connecting students and professionals.
Mentoring offers advice on launching a career in the digital sector, fosters dialogue between mentors and mentees, and, above all, creates a community to support women entering the AI job market.
For students, the master’s years can be a time of uncertainty regarding the future and career direction. The Mentor’IA program is an ideal way to build self-confidence and break down stereotypes surrounding AI—specifically by exploring the various roles in the field and fostering personal development to overcome self-censorship.
Mentoring contributes to professional success, particularly regarding salary levels, career mobility, and the number of promotions achieved.
The feedback has been promising.
This year, ANITI aims once again to support female students throughout the academic year. We invite you to join us.
Composition of the committee
Animation
- Marjorie Allain-Moulet, Industrial Co-Pilot
Members
- Corinne Joffre, Secrétaire Générale d’ANITI, Communauté d’universités et établissements de Toulouse
- Romaric Redon, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Communauté d’universités et établissements de Toulouse
- Hélène Tap, ANITI’s Graduate School director
- Julie Al Atarach, project manager EFELIA
- Karine Arcache, programs project manager ANITI
- Anne-Claire Jolivet et Rachel Arnould, sciences for et with society service, Communauté d’universités et établissements de Toulouse
- Mélanie Ducolombier et Nathalie Berniard, Communications, Communauté d’universités et établissements de Toulouse
- Florence Sedes, IRIT, President of the group « Femmes et Informatique » of the Société Informatique de France; and Women and Science Occitanie Toulouse