Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how we live, work and solve some of the world’s most complex challenges. Yet women and girls remain significantly underrepresented in the AI ecosystem — particularly as creators, founders and leaders of AI-driven innovation — accounting for only 25-30% of the global AI workforce. Closing this gap is not only a question of equity, but a requirement for building inclusive, responsible and effective AI systems.
Through EY Ripples, the EY global corporate responsibility program, EY is committed to using its skills, knowledge and networks to positively impact one billion lives. A core focus of this work is helping to ensure that the benefits of AI are shaped by — and accessible to — a more diverse group of people.
EY Ripples and EY Women in Tech are collaborating with global technology leaders, ecosystem partners, and social innovators to support girls and women across every stage of their AI journey, advancing digital inclusion, innovation, and future-ready technology skills.
One way this ambition is brought to life is through the EY Ripples AI for Good program, which supports entrepreneurs and organizations using AI to address social and environmental challenges. Many of these initiatives place a strong emphasis on helping empower women and girls to build critical AI skills, gain confidence in technology, and access pathways into future-focused careers.
A key example is the EY team longstanding collaboration with Technovation, a global EdTech non-profit organization that equips girls and young women with the skills to solve real-world problems using technology. Through mentoring, coaching and skills-based volunteering, EY professionals support participants as they design, build and pitch AI-enabled solutions to challenges facing their communities — from climate resilience to access to education and health services.
“If women and girls are excluded from shaping AI, we risk embedding today’s inequalities into tomorrow’s technology,” says Abi Gooch, EY Global Corporate Responsibility Innovation and Engagement Leader.
“By investing in skills, confidence and opportunity now, we can help ensure AI is developed in ways that are more inclusive, ethical and impactful for society,” adds Catherine McCourt, EY Global Consulting Technology Leader.
By connecting AI innovation with social purpose, EY Women in Tech and EY Ripples aim to create lasting change, supporting the next generation of female technologists and entrepreneurs while strengthening the broader AI ecosystem for everyone.
Read more: Explore how organizations can help close the gender gap in AI for Good initiatives in the full EY article on ey.com.