Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programme 2023

Start the day off on a positive note with an exclusive breakfast networking session tailored specifically for women in tech and their allies. Our intimate early morning gathering will set the stage for engaging conversations about the industry’s challenges, including AI bias, the future of work, pay transparency, mental health and wellbeing, and much more. We will collectively explore how to mitigate these challenges to create a more equitable and fairer workplace for everyone.

Don’t miss this opportunity to network and build new contacts with peers and speakers. Register your place here: https://www.ifa-berlin.com/rsvp-women-tech-allies-breakfast 

As we start to witness the varied and wide reaching impact of AI, we explore Narrow AI and AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) and what this means for the future of humanity. As big tech rolls out AI, it can be perceived as being developed for the needs of the very few. This session will look at decentralising AI to benefit all and striving for greater diversity. From a development perspective, this should consider and respond to the needs of different countries and individuals and remove bias in the process. The role of AI will be examined in terms of its future potential to help solve the fundamental issues the globe faces as it comes under increasing pressure from reduced resources.

Difficult economic times offer an opportunity for organisations to re-evaluate their practices and foster an environment that embraces innovation, creativity and nurtures both talent and wellbeing – a culture in which everyone can thrive. Investing in DEI can build trust, employee loyalty and productivity, positioning organisations for long term success in the evolving world of work. Our esteemed panel will explore: 

• How does embracing diversity, equity and inclusion contribute to a strategic competitive advantage in today’s evolving world of work? What practical actions and strategies are organisations deploying to create inclusive workplaces?  

• What tangible benefits can organisations derive from prioritising and investing in DEI initiatives? Why does the continued commitment to diversity matter to business, especially during recessionary times? 

• How can organisations effectively integrate DEI principles into their business strategies and practices to drive innovation, attract and retain top talent, and enhance overall performance?  

Diversity in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) presents unique challenges that need to be addressed. Surveys indicate that female students show less interest in tech careers compared to males. Pathways into the tech industry beyond traditional higher education are still limited. Stereotypes and biases can create barriers, resulting in a lack of opportunities, unequal treatment, and unconscious exclusion. What is more, the lack of diverse role models and mentors can hinder the aspirations and confidence of underrepresented individuals pursuing STEM careers.

Join us as we uncover barriers in STEM education and careers, and discuss the necessary steps, the education system, companies, and mentors can take to open the tech sector for under-represented groups. 

Women make up only 25% of computer-science related jobs, according to the Pew Research Center.  Women are even less represented in engineering, making up just 14% of the workforce. This panel session will give the stage to trail blazing women who can share their challenges, career journey and what they would advise for those looking to enter this industry. Hear from two women with a STEM background on how the industry can better cater for women, especially women entrepreneurs, and how it can address challenges around retention, career progression and more.

By providing targeted resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities, we can empower underrepresented entrepreneurs to overcome the unique challenges they face. Diverse founders bring a wealth of perspectives, innovative ideas and untapped market potential to the forefront. By actively investing in their success, we can drive meaningful change, break down barriers, and create a more inclusive landscape of entrepreneurship. Get ready to be inspired about how we can foster an inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

Technology has emerged as a powerful tool in advancing DEI efforts across various domains. It provides opportunities to break down traditional barriers, bridge gaps, and amplify marginalised voices. Tech-driven platforms and applications enable widespread access to information, education, and resources, levelling the playing field for underrepresented groups. The power of technology in DEI is contingent upon intentional design, ethical considerations, and continuous monitoring to ensure equitable outcomes. When leveraged effectively, technology has the capacity to accelerate progress, and create a more inclusive and equitable future. 

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), the metaverse and other emerging technologies has raised concerns about bias and its impact on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), particularly for underrepresented groups. AI systems are trained on vast datasets that can unintentionally encode biases present in society, perpetuating systemic inequalities. This bias can manifest in various ways, such as discriminatory hiring algorithms, biased decision-making processes or reinforcing stereotypes.

• How does the emergence of AI and other emerging technologies contribute to bias and its potential impact on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion? 

• What are the specific ways in which biased tech systems can perpetuate systemic inequalities and further marginalise underrepresented groups? 

• What measures can organisations and developers take to address and mitigate bias in AI and emerging technologies, ensuring fair and equitable outcomes for all? 

 

Inclusive cultures value differences and use these as catalysts for innovation and growth. They prioritise equity, ensuring fair access to opportunities, resources and decision-making processes. 

• How can organisations enhance their outreach strategies to effectively engage and cater to the unique needs and preferences of diverse groups, ensuring inclusivity and representation? 

• What can organisations do to promote a sense of belonging?  

• How can they better engage and retain diverse talent?   

• How can the impact of such strategies be benchmarked and measured? 

• What role can boards of organisations play in shaping DEI efforts? 

• How are leadership teams adapting to challenges around balanced gender representation on boards? 

• What role can boards of organisations play in shaping DEI efforts?  

• How are leadership teams adapting to challenges around balanced gender representation on boards?  

As we navigate the post-pandemic workplace, characterised by remote work, hybrid models, and flexible roles, the physical barriers that once limited access to talent have diminished. We will examine the new dynamics and opportunities this shift brings, requiring leaders to adopt innovative approaches to virtual leadership and management.  We’ll uncover impactful initiatives undertaken by companies, providing valuable insights and practical strategies for C-suite executives and board members seeking to drive DEI success in their organisations.