MITIGATING GENDER DISCRIMINATION THROUGH GENDER MAINSTREAMING OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE POLICIES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence is a simulation of human intelligence that has become very crucial to human operations. It operates with the same perspective as is prevalent or acceptable to humans. Consequently, AI is prone to errors due to the possible presence of inaccurate or incomplete data. With regards to gender issues, AI has been recognized as manifesting gender bias; for instance, when women use AI-powered systems to diagnose illnesses, they often receive inaccurate answers, because AI is unaware of symptoms that may present differently in women. The aim of this work is to interrogate the reasons behind the manifestations of AI bias and to proffer solutions towards curbing the same.

The methodology used in this study is doctrinal, constituting the use and analysis of already existing literature. This work found that AI manifestation of gender bias is a direct result of already existing gender inequality and discrimination in the society and that gender mainstreaming into AI is crucial to mitigating gender inequality and discrimination against women. The work recommends solutions inclusive of a change in the mentality that approves of male domination and gender profiling; positive policies towards gender inclusivity in AI development, aimed at feeding the machine with data possessive of the feminine perspective and improved mechanism for enforcement.