Women In Big Data South Africa will, for the first time, be exhibiting at this year’s online AI Expo Africa 2020 which will be focusing on women in AI and Data Science across the region.
The expo is the continent’s largest trade-focused Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Data Science business conference.
The participation of Women In Big Data South Africa in the 3 and 4 September online expo, is part of the organizers drive to make the AI and Data Science community more inclusive and diverse.
“AI will have direct social, economic and political impacts on our societies as we move into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as such it is imperative that women be included in this field to avoid gender bias and to come to come up with technologies that progress digital equality,” Nick Bradshaw, co-founder of AI Media Group organizers of AI Expo Africa said in a statement.
He added that conversations should be made all year round on attracting, supporting and encouraging in the AI and big data and analytics field.
Naomi Molefe, the chairperson and strategic sourcing and research specialist for Women in Big Data South Africa, will give a talk on talent sourcing in AI and Data Science at the show.
The Women in Big Data Forum’s mission is to inspire and attract more female talent to big data roles and to help them connect, engage and grow. The organization does this through networking events, professional development and by sharing industry related content with members.
Last year, the expo saw a 34% growth in attendance of female engineers at talent workshops and this year headlining the expo are prominent women working in the field both locally and internationally.
This year’s third expo comes at a time when South Africa is celebrating 64 years since the historic women’s march. August has been set aside each year as a tribute to thousands of women of different race and background who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 which was a turning point in the roles of women.
Phoebie Shamiso Chigonde is a journalist passionate about gender equality, social development programmes and grassroots-based solution seeking initiatives. She has a passion for women and community development. Phoebie is also a radio personality at a regional commercial radio station, a platform that enables her to network with like-minded women, journalists and activists as she continues to document and tell the story of the ordinary woman from the lens of that very ordinary woman.