As the world commemorates International Day of Democracy today, September 15th, the Women’s Democracy Network Zimbabwe, a vibrant network of women leaders and gender champions, is urging policymakers to reaffirm their commitment to gender-responsive policymaking. This global commemoration, established by the UN General Assembly in 2007, emphasizes strengthening democracy and empowering citizens, particularly women and marginalized groups who have been historically excluded from decision-making processes. This year’s theme for the International Day of Democracy focuses on the importance of Artificial Intelligence as a tool for good governance.
With a focus on promoting inclusive governance, equal opportunities, and social justice, WDN Zimbabwe is calling on policymakers to prioritize gender-responsive policy making in AI governance architecture and local governance. This will ensure service delivery and decision-making that integrates the voices and needs of women into all aspects of AI governance. By doing so, this will create an enabling environment for women’s inclusion and participation in public life, free from all forms of discrimination. In turn, the country can move closer to achieving true democracy for all. Democracy relies on inclusive decision-making, and the time is now for accelerating policy and action for gender-responsive policies. These policies will ensure equal opportunities, rights, and representation for women and marginalized groups. By promoting gender equality, we foster sustainable development, inclusive economic growth, social justice, human rights protection and effective governance.
Commemorating International Day of Democracy, the Women’s Democracy Network Zimbabwe taps into the game-changing potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to elevate governance and policymaking, driving progress towards a world where technology serves humanity’s greatest needs.
However, we also acknowledge the risks of AI exacerbating existing gender inequalities if not designed and implemented with a gender-sensitive lens. Some of the concerns include;
– Data bias: AI systems trained on biased data can perpetuate and amplify existing gender stereotypes and discrimination.
– Lack of representation: Insufficient representation of women in AI development and decision-making processes can lead to the neglect of gender-specific needs.
– Digital divide: Limited access to technology and digital literacy can widen the gap between men and women, particularly in rural areas.
We Recommend for policy makers at all levels to ensure;
1.Gender informed and responsive AI policy design, implementation and accountability informed by consistent gender analysis, inclusive data collection and analysis gender-disaggregated data to inform AI-driven policy decisions.
- Increased women’s access to information, skills, tools and ongoing support for full and. Equal participation and leadership in AI governance structures and decision making processes at all levels.
- Strengthened Oversight and Accountability mechanisms including access to justice to prevent and respond to AI driven violence against women and girls.
WDN Zimbabwe remain committed to work with state and non-state Actors towards a women’s rights and gender responsive AI governance and women’s leadership in all structures and process. AI promotion as an inclusive tool for governance must continue to be informed by gender responsive approaches at all levels. We call for policymakers to prioritize gender-responsive AI policies, ensuring that AI enhances democracy, equality, and social justice for all.
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