Redistribute AI Power and Build a More Equal Future

“History shows what happens when women are excluded from innovation. Crash test dummies were designed on the male body for decades, putting women at greater risk. Even Nobel Prize winner Maria Mayer was erased from Oppenheimer, portrayed as a secretary instead of a scientist,” said Ann-Therese Enarsson, CEO of Futurion. “AI is today’s Oppenheimer moment – but instead of nuclear weapons, the power lies in code.”

For Elin Eriksson, Creative Director at Women in Tech Sweden, equal access to AI is not only about the developers:

“When ChatGPT launched in 2022, I noticed most of the early adopters were men. That meant men’s data shaped the tool – and men’s perspectives became embedded in AI. Women need to experiment more, not wait for permission.”

She also pushed back against stereotypes:

“Our survey of 3,000 WIT members shows women love working in tech – because it’s fun, intellectually challenging and meaningful. If we only talk about stress and low numbers, how will we inspire the next generation?”

Alexandra Wudel, founder of FemAI and named AI Personality of the Year 2024, warned that the current speed of development is dangerous.

“In Germany, new medicines are tested for ten years before reaching the market. AI should be no different – the risks are real. Just look at how social media has fueled eating disorders and rising suicide rates among young people. AI was supposed to make us happier and give us more time for life – why aren’t we talking about that anymore?”

The panel ended with concrete advice for the audience.

“Start experimenting with AI and add your data to the models. Competence isn’t only about formal education – it’s about practice,” urged Elin Eriksson.

“Invest in yourself and your knowledge. Find or create a company that wants to design a more equal AI future,” added Alexandra Wudel.

Ida Lim Pek, part of the Women in Tech community was one of the attendees of the evening, and she shared some of her insights afterwards in a LinkedIn post:

“We can design AI with the right values – some models already have them, but we need more. Otherwise, women risk disappearing from history once again. And if that happens, the next generation will grow up with very few female role models.”