From Theory to Practice: Implementing Feminist Approaches for Just AI in Africa
By: Aishat Oyenike Salam
Keywords: Feminist Approaches, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Africa, Gender
Abstract
Feminist scholars have long advocated for an intersectional approach to understanding and addressing inequalities, including gender disparities, in various domains. In the context of artificial intelligence (AI) development in Africa, this paper explores the translation of some feminist theories into practical strategies for achieving just AI systems. By building on existing literature, the paper highlights the significance of AI in Africa while providing an overview of the various feminist approaches to AI. It examines the theoretical foundations of feminist approaches in AI and the importance of incorporating them. It then proposes some methodologies for implementing feminist approaches in AI development in Africa by emphasising community engagement, participatory design, and the incorporation of diverse perspectives.
In carrying out this research, an extensive review of existing literature on the intersection of feminist theory and AI development, specifically focusing on Africa, is conducted. The review revealed a growing body of scholarship documenting the gendered impacts of AI technologies on African societies. Scholars have identified a range of challenges faced by women in accessing and benefiting from AI, including disparities in education, limited access to resources, and entrenched cultural biases. Additionally, existing research underscores the importance of incorporating feminist approaches into AI development to address these challenges effectively. Through these analyses, this paper will build on existing literature to move beyond theories to practical insights in pursuing feminist approaches in AI systems.
The methodology used in conducting this research involves reviewing available studies on the topic, examining use cases, and analyzing stakeholder reports. The literature on feminist theories and their application to technology and AI, particularly within the African context, is analyzed.
Additionally, the author gathers informed opinions from AI researchers, policymakers, and community members on the challenges and opportunities for implementing feminist approaches in AI development.
The findings from all these reveal a critical need for feminist perspectives in shaping AI technologies to ensure equity and justice in African societies. The paper identifies the key areas where feminist principles can inform AI design and deployment, including algorithmic transparency, data governance, and bias mitigation. Furthermore, it highlights the potential for promoting inclusivity and social justice when feminist methodologies are integrated into AI projects.
The discussion section also critically examines the implications of the paper’s findings for AI research, policy, and practice in Africa. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between AI researchers, policymakers, and community stakeholders to create AI systems that include the needs of end users. Moreover, it discusses the challenges and limitations of implementing feminist approaches in AI development, such as power dynamics and cultural barriers, and proposes strategies for overcoming these obstacles.
In summary, this paper offers insights about the need to ensure the development of inclusive, ethical, and just AI by calling for the integration of feminist principles into AI development in Africa. By focusing on marginalized voices and prioritizing social impact, it is believed that just AI systems can be realized, paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive future for all Africans, regardless of gender.
[1] Technology Policy Research, barraishat15@gmail.com
