In an event hosted by the Leadership Development for Women Working Group at Algonquin College, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean held a captive audience as the keynote speaker for International Women’s Day on March 8, 2023. Highlighting the United Nations (UN) theme for International Women’s Day 2023, DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality, Jean addressed gender inequality in the technology sector and women’s experiences with online violence, as well as the experiences of visible minority women in Canada.
“Women have made untold contributions to the digital world in which we increasingly live,” said Jean. “Today, persistent gender gap in digital access keeps women from unlocking their potential.”
According to the UN, only 22 per cent of positions in artificial intelligence are held by women, with two in 10 women holding jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) globally. These numbers are concerning, as 75 per cent of all jobs are projected to be related to STEM fields by 2050. Those who do make it into technology often face a hostile work environment with a significant pay gap and half the rates of promotion as men.
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