The Essential Voice of Women in AI

When a machine doesn’t recognize your voice, misidentifies your face, or filters out your job application simply because you’re a woman, it’s a basic design failure. And it happens because too many AI systems are built without diverse women in the room.

We’ve already seen the consequences. Voice assistants respond more accurately to men. Facial recognition software often struggles, especially with women of color. Hiring algorithms have penalized resumes that mention women’s colleges or activities. These blind spots in the way AI is developed have real-world consequences on communities.

Yet, just when we need more diverse perspectives in tech, some companies are scaling back their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is undoing years of progress. Ignoring the research that shows diverse teams produce better results and create more fair and functional technology, impacts us all.

Why Women Matter in AI Development

AI has the power to solve tough problems when optimized by teams that reflect the full range of human experiences. The more diverse the team, the more likely they are to catch biases early, ask better questions, and develop technology that serves everyone.

The numbers back this up. Companies with strong gender diversity in leadership are more profitable and more innovative. AI startups with at least one female founder tend to raise more money than all-male teams. But beyond the business case, there’s a more basic truth: technology that only considers a narrow slice of the population will always be flawed.

Who’s Getting It Right?

Some organizations and companies understand this. Some companies understand this. For instance, Intel has demonstrated a significant commitment to diversity and inclusion through its Diversity in Technology initiative. Launched in 2015, Intel pledged $300 million to achieve full representation of women and underrepresented minorities in its U.S. workforce by 2020. This investment supported various programs, including partnerships with organizations like the National Center for Women in Technology and initiatives aimed at combating online harassment.(source: ​PCMAGPress Release Point+1PCMAG+1 )

Similarly, Verizon has been recognized for its dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. According to Technology Magazine, 60.3% of its U.S.-based workforce comprises women and minorities, and six of its ten board members are women or racially or ethnically diverse. Verizon's DEI initiatives extend beyond its workforce to its supplier networks, actively partnering with diverse suppliers, including businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. ​(source: Technology Magazine )

But true inclusivity isn't just about internal workforce changes—it’s also about amplifying diverse voices in the broader tech conversation. Platforms like WAIV Magazine, alongside initiatives such as the Ethical AI Alliance and the Algorithmic Justice League, are crucial in placing women and underheard voices front and center, ensuring that technological advancements reflect the needs and perspectives of all communities.

We need more organizations and companies in tech to follow suit and create a tech culture and environment that fosters innovation through broader, more inclusive representation.

The Cost of Ignoring Diversity

The companies walking away from DEI are undermining the quality of their own products. Research shows that AI developed by mixed-gender teams identifies more risks before launch. That’s because a broader range of perspectives leads to more thoughtful design, better user experiences, and fewer expensive failures down the line.

But diversity is about making sure women across different races, backgrounds, and experiences have a voice in shaping AI at every level. When technology is designed with a wider range of perspectives, it has more impact and serves everyone better.

The AI Industry Has a Choice

Right now, companies need to thoughtfully and intentionally consider their policies and decisions around pulling back on diversity. Inclusion leads to stronger, more ethical, and more innovative AI. Those who support women in leadership, invest in mentorship, and insist on diverse testing before deployment will be the ones that set the standard for the future.

AI is already shaping how we work, communicate, and make decisions. If we want it to work for all of us, then all of us need a say in how it’s built.