International Women’s Day

Baroness Goudie Excerpts

Thursday 6th March 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Goudie (Lab)]

My Lords, I support the noble Baroness, Lady Smith, and congratulate her on being made Minister for Women and Equalities in addition to her other activities. I know that she will be fantastic on this issue. I also congratulate my colleagues on their maiden speeches today—in particular my two good friends, my noble friends Lady Alexander and Lady Hunter. It is not that the others are not my friends, but I have known those two for a lifetime. They are my friends and they know all my bad points; they all have good points, but they have known me too long.

I declare an interest relevant to today’s debate, in that I am a founder and member of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security and an activist in Global Women Asia, which I helped to found, and which, among other things, represents women engineers who work in AI and other areas. It has now been going for about three years.

Turning to International Women’s Day, I congratulate everyone on this great day and I hope we will have more speakers next year from around the House, celebrating the initiatives that enhance women’s participation and leadership in science and technology, both in the United Kingdom and around the world. This occasion is not only a celebration of achievement but a reminder of the critical role women play in securing peace and shaping the future, especially as we transition into the AI age.

For centuries, women have been the bedrock of peaceful communities, acting as mediators, caregivers and advocates of justice and inclusion. Their involvement in peace processes has been shown to result in more durable and sustainable peace. In conflict zones across the globe, women are increasingly taking on roles traditionally reserved for men. They are clearing landmines, neutralising unexploded bombs and destroying weapons. Women are instrumental in helping communities recover and rebuild following the devastation of war. Their roles as peacebuilders, decision-makers, wage-earners and caregivers demonstrate that when women lead, peace is more resilient.

At the same time, we are witnessing a transformation in technology. Digital and AI innovations are reshaping every aspect of our lives: from the way we communicate to how Governments serve their citizens. Yet, as these systems grow ever more influential, there is a danger that they might perpetuate biases if not designed with care. It is imperative, therefore, that women are not merely participants but the engineers and architects of this digital revolution. Their insights, honed through diverse lived experiences, are essential in ensuring that technology systems are fair and serve all citizens equally.

Consider the pioneering work of Dr Joy Buolamwini at MIT Media Lab, whose research on algorithmic bias has exposed how technology can inadvertently reinforce gender and racial prejudices. Similarly, the work of Kate Crawford in critically assessing the societal impacts of machine learning has challenged us to rethink our ethical frameworks. Here in the United Kingdom, leaders such as Dame Wendy Hall have been at the forefront of promoting inclusivity in computer science, laying a strong foundation for a digital future that reflects our shared values.

The statistics underscore the urgency of our mission. Data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency, as analysed by the Government, shows that while men dominate most STEM subjects in higher education, women lead in natural sciences, psychology, medicine, dentistry and allied medical subjects. Yet women are less likely than men to start an apprenticeship in STEM fields. Engineering UK analysis of Department for Education data reveals that women account for just 17% of engineering and technology-related apprenticeship starts in England. We must put more pressure on schools to tell more pupils about STEM, and have more visits to schools from people from these backgrounds, through Speakers for Schools and other organisations, including the education organisation in this House. This is vital. That 17% figure compares to 52% across all subjects. UNESCO’s figures for 2016-18 indicate that women represented 28% of engineering, manufacturing and construction graduates and 30% of ICT graduates, compared with 57% in natural sciences, mathematics and statistics. Furthermore, STEM Women highlights how the lack of representation of women in STEM higher education impacts the workforce, and it calls for more initiatives to encourage women to study STEM, transition into the workforce and emerge as future leaders.

The rapid progression of technology offers a unique opportunity to level the playing field. Digital platforms and AI can dismantle traditional barriers, broadening access to education, employment and civic engagement. In every community, from conflict zones to urban centres, women have shown exceptional resilience and an innate ability to foster dialogue and empathy. Their participation in building the digital future not only enhances innovation but ensures that the systems they create are both equitable and compassionate.

In conclusion, promoting women’s leadership in science and technology is not merely an issue of equality; it is essential for peace, justice and prosperity. As we stand on the threshold of the AI age, we must commit to a future where both men and women co-design the digital world. The House must champion policies that foster gender equality in every sphere of innovation, ensuring that the benefits of technological progress are shared by all.