CSW67 Working Group from UN Women UK: Choice
Intersectional Feminist Data & AI Literacy Campaign
Choice to know. Choice to react.
Data is the new oil, concentrating wealth and power in the few hands that control data processes
The result? A significant power imbalance, leading to the exploitation of marginalised people.
Those who hold data hold influence. While others are left to deal with the consequences of this disparity.
When we add artificial intelligence (AI) into the mix, we face a double-edged sword. AI brings so much potential for society but it also reflects and amplifies the inequalities that already exist. It perpetuates biases.
From the unnoticed biases in the algorithms that suggest our newsfeeds, to the invisible hand guiding decision-making in sectors like healthcare and employment, our society is increasingly steered by AI systems.
The Choice group envisions a just and equitable digital society that is empowered to understand, interact with and criticise the prevailing data and algorithmic decision systems that influence our lives.
Their mission is to enhance critical data and AI literacy skills by leveraging feminist literacy principles. So society can understand the consequences of these systems, whilst promoting active female participation in a “datafied” society.
There are three main hurdles standing between us and true choice over how our data is handled:
| There’s an imbalance of knowledge of data and AI practices
Most communities lack the understanding of how their data is used, stored and shared in data-driven algorithmic systems. |
Data and AI are mistakenly believed to be neutral systems
AI is typically accepted without criticism, ignoring its role in reinforcing biases and stereotypes. |
AI has rapidly been integrated into our daily lives, with unseen consequences
The rapid use of AI races ahead of our grasp of its potential impacts, leaving certain groups at increased risk of harm. |
Empowering communities through education: this is how the Choice group is changing the data narrative
The Digital Campaign
Creative literacy: The Choice group are using memes and visual narratives to simplify AI and data concepts for wider audiences
User-generated content: They’re running online challenges to promote community content creation and interactive learning
Inclusive public dialogues: The group is hosting discussions with AI and data justice experts to amplify diverse voices and grow community knowledge
The Educational Programme
Collaborative materials: The group is partnering with academics and creatives to produce diverse and accessible learning resources
Certified training: The Choice group will offer community training sessions to expand AI and data literacy
Volunteer outreach: They’ll be working with trained volunteers to expand community data knowledge
Three core ingredients to empower marginalised groups to make an informed choice about their data:
| Educational Empowerment
Bridging the gap in understanding data and the algorithmic systems that form AI outcomes. |
Intersectional Feminist Curricula
Acknowledging the importance of addressing the intersecting oppressions and privileges that women experience. |
Simplification and Outreach
Demystifying AI and data concepts, making them accessible and approachable beyond tech circles. |
Meet the team bringing Choice to life, post CSW67
The team is united by a passionate shared commitment to Choice. From Sinem Görücü’s drive in leading the project to Jennifer Orji’s administrative prowess, Aurelia Le Frapper’s skill in forging partnerships and Bethan Neil’s innovative product development strategies, each member brings unique strengths.
Their excitement and dedication are the heartbeat of the campaign.
| Project Coordinator: Sinem Görücü
Project Administration: Jennifer Orji Research Coordinator: TBC Product Development and Communications & PR Coordinator: Beth Neil Partnerships Coordinator: Aurelia Le Frapper |
They are supported by:
Gurpreet Kaur Baiba Žiga Nicola Martin Swapnil Dhoke Lara Brett Aishwarya Lakshmi Sugya Rijal Chidinma Ibemere Cleo Cosens Katie Stamp Francisca Beloso Hannah Nazri Julie Hammond Bolanle Oyediran |
You can help ensure that every community has the choice to know and the choice to react
1. Participate in and share the campaign
Join our online campaigns. Your active participation and the sharing of our content will help bring the message of Choice to even more communities
2. Educational collaboration
We’re looking for partnerships to help us create diverse and accessible educational resources. Collaborating academically or creatively can help expand the reach and effectiveness of our educational programmes.
3. Volunteer and community engagement
Volunteers play a crucial role in spreading knowledge at the community level.
You can become a certified volunteer to help share critical data and AI literacy skills. Or, engage with our community outreach efforts to encourage a broader understanding of these issues.