Annie Romein-Verschoor Lecture – Beta Women and Alpha Men: On the Role of Gender in AI

Each year, Leiden University organizes the Annie Romein-Verschoor Lecture on or around International Women’s Day, March 8. This year the Lecture will be delivered by Maaike Harbers, lector Artificial Intelligence & Society at the knowledge center Creating 010 in Rotterdam.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly significant role in society, shaping the information we see, the way we work, and the choices we make. While AI impacts nearly everyone, it is developed by a relatively small, predominantly male group. As a result, AI applications often do not function equally well for everyone. For example, facial recognition software makes more errors with women—especially Black women—recruitment algorithms are less likely to match women with high-paying jobs, and generative AI applications reinforce existing stereotypes, such as portraying women as nurturing and service-oriented. This lecture examines the causes and consequences of the lack of female perspectives in the AI sector and explores what is needed to make AI work for everyone.

Annie Romein-Verschoor served as a role model for many women by successfully building a career and gaining recognition while balancing the “dual calling” of being a working mother. Through her articles, she encouraged women to pursue their talents beyond the responsibilities of family care, embodying a powerful example for women’s emancipation.

More information and registration: Annie Romein-Verschoorlezing 2025 – Universiteit Leiden