Feminist AI Research Africa Lab (FAIR Africa Lab)
A feminist approach to AI research in Africa strictly requires a rethinking and assessment of how AI sociotechnical imaginaries are constructed – how the technology is developed and how it is applied IN THE SOCIETY, how different impressions of AI and big data are socially constructed and politically and corporately framed to suit different interests, and how different social networks and groups are included/excluded or fit in or enrolled in shaping these discourses.
STEM has not only been a predominantly male-dominated industry, but it also poses a challenge in developing tools and services that cater to needs that are specific to women or consider their unique needs when creating and deploying AI solutions. AI can discriminate against women by creating a barrier to unequal access to services, employment, financial assets, or better clinical decisions. Furthermore, the way AI is emerging in the globe it is dominantly curated for Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic—WEIRD—profiles (Kanazawa, 2020), which adds a layer of exclusion for African women and other women of colour from the global majority.
FAIR Africa Lab
Our main goal is to apply the fundamental principle of feminist theory – which is destabilizing systems of power and oppression. A feminist lens to AI investment, development, and deployment enables the discovery of how people interact within such hierarchical systems and potentially offers solutions to eradicate oppressive systems and structures. Feminist theory considers the lived experiences of any person/ people, not just women, with an emphasis on oppression. In the era of AI and emerging technologies, power structures are multidimensional, and so is oppression as experienced by different people including women, youth, people of colour, gender minorities, and other under-represented groups. As such terms like inclusion, representation, and diversity are becoming vaguer, especially when given a binary approach, and where the different layers of power are not considered.
Our activities
We actively pursue impactful initiatives designed to drive inclusivity and innovation in AI and digital technologies
Targeted Research and Scoping Studies
Conducting in-depth research to identify challenges and opportunities for integrating gender and minority groups into AI and emerging technologies.
Stakeholder Engagement Workshops
Facilitating collaboration and dialogue among key stakeholders to ensure diverse voices are represented in AI policies and practices
Capacity Building Workshops
Equipping individuals and organizations with the knowledge and tools needed to promote gender equity in digital spaces
AI Gender Policy Bootcamps
Hosting specialized bootcamps focused on developing actionable gender-responsive AI policies and frameworks
Our Strategy
We are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive digital future through focused initiatives.
Shaping Policy for Inclusivity
We engage in policy research to promote the integration of diverse genders and minority groups into AI and digital technologies, ensuring fairness and representation.
Bridging Gaps
We work with partners and communities to address the gender power gap and digital divide, empowering women and marginalized groups to access and benefit from digital tools.
Mentoring Future Leaders
We mentor young African female AI researchers, equipping them to contribute to the development of gender-responsive AI and drive objective, inclusive innovation.