Chamber UK and UKAI hosted a high-level panel discussion on empowering female leaders in AI, featuring Baroness Martha Lane-Fox and Edwina Dunn, where key themes included gender bias in AI, leadership opportunities, and the urgent need for accountability and diversity in the sector.
A Landmark Discussion on Women in AI Leadership
On 12th March 2025, Chamber UK, in collaboration with UKAI (The Trade Association for UK AI Businesses), hosted an insightful and dynamic panel discussion on empowering female leaders in tech and AI. Held at the prestigious Dawn Capital offices in Central London, the event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to explore the challenges and opportunities for women in technology and artificial intelligence.
The event opened with remarks from Zoe Qin, Head of AI at Dawn Capital, who welcomed attendees and highlighted Dawn Capitalโs commitment to diversity in technology. โWe are committed to supporting women in the workplace in all forms, from investing in women-led businesses to hosting discussions like this one,โ she stated.
Dawn Capital has diverse representation across the investment committee and current portfolio leadership in a range of sectors from Fintech to software infrastructure investments.
Chaired by Baroness Liz Barker, the discussion was part of Baroness Barkerโs Book Club, featuring prominent figures in the tech industry, Baroness Martha Lane-Fox of Soho CBE and Edwina Dunn CBE, co-authors of When She’s in the Room. These trailblazers shared their experiences navigating male-dominated spaces, offering invaluable insights into leadership, collaboration, and driving meaningful change.
Gendered Intelligence in AI โ Who Shapes the Algorithm?
One of the core themes of the discussion was the bias embedded in AI algorithms due to the underrepresentation of women in AI development. Baroness Lane-Fox highlighted the systemic issues, citing statistics that reveal a troubling reality: only 1.8% of venture capital funding goes to women-led AI businesses, and women make up a mere 20% of software engineers.
โIf youโre not at the table, youโre on the menu. We need women involved at every stage of AI development, from coding to governance,โ she asserted. Without female representation at the foundational stages, AI risks perpetuating gender biases, making inclusivity and transparency critical to ethical AI development.
Generative AI & Emerging Opportunities for Women
Despite the challenges, AI presents significant opportunities for women in tech. Edwina Dunn discussed how the industry can empower women by providing greater access to technical education, mentorship, and leadership roles. She emphasised that women are not a monolithโtheir career ambitions, needs, and experiences are varied, and policies should reflect this diversity.
โWe have to move beyond token representation and create real pathways for women in AI leadership,โ Dunn stated. The discussion also touched on the potential of AI-driven solutions in FemTech, an area poised for growth as investment in women’s health accelerates.
AI Accountability: Seeking Redress for Bias
The conversation took a critical turn towards accountability in AI. The panel acknowledged that regulatory frameworks must evolve to ensure AI systems remain fair and transparent. Examples were cited from Stanford and MIT studies, revealing that many AI models fail to adequately represent womenโs experiences. Baroness Lane-Fox argued for open-source AI models and rigorous oversight to mitigate bias, advocating for a stronger legal framework that allows women to challenge discriminatory AI outcomes.
โThe power of AI is immense, but so is the potential for harm. We need stronger governance and a clear path for accountability,โ she urged.
Women in AI Leadership: Governance, Ethics & the Path Forward
A pressing question from the audience focused on how to improve female leadership in AI governance. The speakers stressed the importance of changing recruitment practices, investing in STEM education for girls, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. The โPower of Twoโ conceptโhighlighted in When She’s in the Roomโwas particularly resonant, advocating for strong female partnerships in leadership roles to foster more inclusive decision-making.
โWhen women support each other in leadership, it doesnโt just benefit themโit strengthens organisations as a whole.” – Edwina Dunn
Final Thought: A Call to Action
The discussion concluded with an undeniable call for action: AI is shaping the world, and women must be at the forefront of this transformation. The event reinforced the need for policies that support flexible working, childcare solutions, and funding opportunities for women in AI.
As a key takeaway, Baroness Barker reminded attendees that discrimination is not just a social issueโit is an economic liability. โBusinesses that fail to embrace diversity will find themselves at a competitive disadvantage in an AI-driven future,โ she stated.
To continue the conversation, Chamber UK and UKAI will be hosting a follow-up event on 23rd April 2025, focusing on “Taking Responsibility for Diversity and Bias in AI.” This event will further explore practical steps for ensuring AI systems work for everyone.
For those passionate about shaping a fair and equitable AI landscape, now is the time to engage. Join the movement, challenge the status quo, and help forge a future where AI serves all of societyโnot just a select few.
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