Empowering Women in AI

The Responsible AI Lab (RAIL) highlights the Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) SHECodes initiative, which was launched at Kumasi Technical University (KsTU). This initiative, funded by the French Embassy in Ghana, aims to equip female students with AI and coding skills, bridging the gender gap in STEM and empowering young women for the future of work.

The initiative rolled out in partnership with KsTU Women in Engineering (WinE), focuses on mentorship, hands-on training, and problem-solving to prepare female students for AI-driven careers.

An introduction of the AI4SD project presented by the Project Lead, Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, also the Principal Investigator and Scientific Director, RAIL, reiterated the value of the SHECodes initiative.

Prof. Abena Agyeiwaa Obiri-Yeboah, Pro Vice Chancellor of KsTU, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to inclusive education during the event. She encouraged students to take full advantage of the coding opportunities provided in the training.

One of the key takeaways was the discussion on the challenges women face in male-dominated STEM fields. Dr. Eunice Akyereko Adjei, the AI in Education team lead under the AI4SD project, emphasized the importance of equipping female students with the skills needed to excel in emerging digital roles.

The inclusion of AI ethics and machine learning frameworks, introduced by Dr. Kingsford Sarkodie Obeng Kwakye, is essential in ensuring that AI systems are developed with fairness, responsibility, and inclusivity in mind.

RAIL supports such efforts to promote diversity in AI and address algorithmic biases that often reflect real-world gender inequalities. By investing in training programs for women in AI, we can contribute to a more inclusive and responsible AI ecosystem.

Another significant point raised at the event was the need for AI integration into engineering curricula. Prof. Robert Dery Nagre, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at KsTU, revealed plans to incorporate AI into the university’s core engineering programs, reflecting the growing importance of AI across disciplines.

RAIL advocates for AI literacy at all levels of education, ensuring that future engineers, data scientists, and technology leaders are well-equipped to develop ethical and impactful AI solutions.