MUMBAI: Artificial intelligence (AI) could unintentionally reinforce and amplify gender bias if the underrepresentation of women in tech persists, warns a senior Microsoft executive.
Himani Agrawal, Chief Partner Officer, Microsoft India and South Asia, cautioned that without diverse voices shaping AI, existing societal biases risk becoming deeply embedded in future technologies further worseing the existing gender bias.
“This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the world we are building. If AI is shaping the future, the people creating it must reflect the world’s diversity. Otherwise, today’s biases could become hardwired into tomorrow’s technology,” Agrawal told PTI.
She highlighted the “leaky pipeline” issue – where women struggle to enter and stay in tech careers – stressing the need for early intervention, mentorship, and leadership opportunities to bridge the gap.
The concern is particularly urgent as AI increasingly influences critical sectors such as healthcare, finance, education, and employment. If trained on imbalanced data, AI could perpetuate and even worsen existing inequalities.
Microsoft, where women make up 31.6 per cent of the core workforce, is actively working toward better inclusion, especially in fields like cybersecurity, where female representation remains low.
“The challenge isn’t just getting women into tech; it’s ensuring they thrive. Technology can be an equaliser, but the real hurdle is moving from mid-level to leadership. That’s where an inclusive culture makes all the difference,” Agrawal said.
She emphasised that true inclusion isn’t just about representation but about reshaping work environments to support women at every stage of their careers.
Agrawal also called for expanding digital access, integrating AI-powered learning in schools, and improving broadband infrastructure to create more opportunities for women.
She urged men to be active allies, challenging biases and fostering inclusive workplaces, adding that true progress requires collective action.
