What is the purpose of the GRAIN network?
- To address numerous shortcomings in the fields of AI and gender in sub-Saharan Africa. There is generally little or no gender-disaggregated data, and this shortfall is even more glaring in sub-Saharan Africa. There is a disparity between data on gender and Artificial Intelligence. This results in a biased assessment of society’s needs.
- To address the under-representation of women in careers in Artificial Intelligence. They remain in the minority because they are not encouraged to pursue this career path.
- Addressing bias and the perpetuation of social inequalities at the algorithmic level. Some algorithms are, to a certain extent, sexist. In fact, it is the designers who create implicit biases in algorithmic systems. This suggests that, at times, Artificial Intelligence can create problems relating to gender issues rather than providing solutions.
- To help develop frameworks for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence and to ensure that AI and gender are better taken into account in governance.
- To encourage greater consideration of African contexts. To promote inclusion in Africa by addressing our specific challenges. For example, there is limited literature on the harms caused by technology in our contexts.
- To work towards pan-African collaboration on AI and gender inclusion. At present, there is a lack of collaboration between French-speaking and English-speaking Africa. Furthermore, there is no organised group in Africa to champion inclusion and gender equality in Artificial Intelligence.
- Encourage multidisciplinary collaboration. Artificial Intelligence is a cross-cutting issue. There is a need for collaboration between stakeholders in this field and those in the field of Artificial Intelligence. The issues are cross-cutting for both these fields. We also need multidisciplinary research to be tested in the African context.
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