HerHCAI

The HerHCAI project supported by the British Council Gender Equality Partnerships grant contributes to the progress of gender equality by specifically targeting the issue of women’s under-representation in STEM disciplines, in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence (HCAI).

Biases in generative AI training data can lead to stereotypical or prejudiced content, creating an unwelcoming environment for women and discouraging them from pursuing careers in AI, as seen in AI systems that inaccurately diagnose women due to male-focused datasets. To promote equality, addressing biases in AI is crucial to ensure fair, inclusive systems that avoid gender and racial disparities and improve outcomes in areas like education, employment, healthcare, and financial services.

Women will gain the opportunity to collaborate, share common goals, and enhance their technological skills through the HerHCAI project. Through a comprehensive approach of skills development, mentorship, and awareness-raising activities, the project highlights and deconstructs this challenge, fostering a more inclusive and diverse AI ecosystem across both partner countries.

Our objectives

Building Digital Literacy and HCAI Skills

This project offers women and girls in the UK and Nigeria particularly those not in employment or with limited access to opportunity a 5-week (10 hours) HCAI digital literacy course. The course will cover foundational digital skills, AI’s future, safety, and ethics, while connecting them with female role models to build confidence and open pathways into education or AI careers. A stronger social media presence will help extend the project’s reach to more participants.

Fostering Mentorship and Industry Connections

There will be online sessions with female AI experts from the industry to enhance the development of participants of the literacy session. At this event, participants will receive tailored guidance from renowned experts including Dr. Omisade, Dr. Boyinbode, Dr. Carroll, and other volunteer professionals. These personalised mentorship sessions will offer participants continuous direction and assistance as they progress through their educational and professional paths in the field of AI. By connecting with experienced experts in the field, participants will gain valuable insights into the industry and unlock potential networking opportunities that can help advance their careers.

HerHCAI Seminar Series: Exploring Human-Centred AI

To tackle this issue on harmful stereotypes and feelings of exclusion for women in generative AI, the project will host seminar series aimed at highlighting gender bias and promoting fair practices in HCAI. These seminars will cover topics such as the ethical implications of AI, the importance of diversity in development teams, and strategies for identifying and mitigating bias in AI systems.

Participants will include government officials, corporate executives, academics, and educators, ensuring a practical, hands-on discussion about gender bias in AI. The goal is to spark a dialogue on the ethical concerns surrounding HCAI technologies and educate policymakers on fair and comprehensive AI regulations. Additionally, the seminars will provide a platform for instructors to discuss strategies and resources to integrate HCAI STEM activities into the academic curricula.

Global Conference on Advancing Gender Equality in AI, Technology, and STEM Education

The project will host an international conference on Gender Equality in Artificial Intelligence Technology and STEM Education This event will advocate and discuss gender equality in AI technology policy and practices with commercial, academic, political, and media professionals. The conference will discuss AI’s social, ethical, legal, and technical challenges from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Our Team

Our Partners