Saudi Arabia has trained 666,000 women in artificial intelligence, according to a recent report. This initiative underscores the Kingdom's commitment to enhancing female participation in the technology sector. The effort aims to solidify Saudi Arabia's position as a global leader in AI empowerment for women. Why it matters: This large-scale training program could help bridge the gender gap in AI and foster more inclusive innovation within the Kingdom and beyond.
MBZUAI's Women in AI (WAI) club, founded by master’s students Asma Hashmi and Ameera Bawazir, aims to increase female representation in AI at MBZUAI and the UAE. The club aligns with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, addressing the underrepresentation of women in AI globally (22%). MBZUAI reports 31% female students in its first cohort and hopes to increase this, supported by faculty like Prof. Najwa Aaraj. Why it matters: This initiative highlights efforts to close the gender gap in AI within the UAE's leading AI university, fostering a more inclusive and diverse tech ecosystem.
Sevim Cengiz, a Ph.D. candidate at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul and a research assistant at MBZUAI, shares her experiences as a woman in STEM. She emphasizes the importance of diverse role models and the rewarding nature of academic research. Cengiz credits her Ph.D. supervisor and MBZUAI's Dr. Mohammad Yaqub, along with family support, for enabling her to pursue her career. Why it matters: The story highlights the challenges and opportunities for women in AI in the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and support systems to increase female representation in STEM fields.