Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a major driver of what has now come to be known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). On the African continent in particular, the discourse focuses on AI as a tool for leapfrogging and economic advancement (Marwala 2022). However, women and gender minorities are under-represented in AI sectors and are disproportionately affected by AI technologies as a result of this exclusion. There is therefore a need to assess whether and how gender is taken into account in AI policies across the continent. Whilst different countries on the continent are at various levels and stages of AI integration and implementation, examining regional bodies – which act as standard-setters – can be a first step towards identifying some of the gaps that currently exist in the ongoing efforts to implement AI for economic development.
This report offers a superficial examination of whether or not the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) adequately take gender into account in the discourse on AI and development. By analysing protocols, model laws, strategies and declarations relating to development, technology and gender (or all three), I find that, whilst some initiatives exist at regional level, a strategic and pragmatic approach to AI is lacking and there is insufficient focus on gender-specific issues.
Whilst some individual countries do a good job of strategically prioritising AI, and some regional documents attempt to do so, overall I find that AI is lumped together with other emerging technologies and is not singled out as a key priority. This can make it difficult to develop policies that effectively target AI technologies, thereby failing to minimise the harms caused by such technologies.
In light of these findings, I recommend the following:
- Industry- or sector-specific references to AI: This would help to present AI in a more practical light with regard to its applications on the African continent
- Gender mainstreaming at every stage of AI and development work
- Gender protocols must incorporate AI and development considerations to a significant extent
Author: Rutendo Chabikwa, DPhil student
Source: https://www.oii.ox.ac.uk/news-events/reports/ai-gender-development-in-africa-feminist-policy-considerations/
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