A conversation with Women in AI founders

International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11, 2022): The Women in AI (WAI) club aims to leverage women’s representation and participation in artificial intelligence at MBZUAI and in the wider UAE. It was founded by two master’s students in machine learning—Asma Hashmi (Pakistan) club president, and Ameera Bawazir (UAE) the vice president.

WAI fosters an environment of empowerment and knowledge for women aspiring to be part of the AI community. It aligns with International Day of Women and Girls in Science which brings together accomplished scientists, global leaders, academics, and trailblazers to celebrate the incredible, diverse contributions of women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Globally, women in science have achieved numerical parity (45–55%) at the bachelor’s and master’s levels of study and are on the cusp at Ph.D. level (44%). But according to a 2018 UNESCO report: "women are not benefitting fully from employment opportunities open to highly educated and skilled experts in cutting edge fields such as artificial intelligence where only one in five professionals (22%) is a woman."

As a new university, MBZUAI hopes to continue to increase its female student body from 31% in its first cohort of students.