Karachi, A recent analysis by Pak NGOs has brought to light the gendered nature of AI assistants, revealing a significant prevalence of female-gendered chatbots in commercial use across Africa. The study points out that in Nigeria, a significant majority of commercial banks utilize chatbots that are female-gendered, with similar trends observed in Ghana and Kenya.

According to Pak NGOs, In Nigeria, 70% of the chatbots used in the banking sector are gendered as female, underscoring a broader trend where AI assistants are designed to exhibit traditionally female attributes. This practice is not only prevalent in Nigeria but also in Ghana, with the Abena AI, and in Kenya, through the Sophie Bot, both of which embody stereotypically female characteristics.

The report further discusses the socio-economic and cultural dynamics influencing the design of these AI systems. It notes that the predominance of male designers in the tech industry contributes to the female gendering of AI assistants, which in turn reflects and perpetuates existing gender stereotypes and biases.

The gendering of AI assistants is also highlighted as a reflection of the underrepresentation of women in technology and decision-making roles within the sector. The study emphasizes the need for diversity and inclusiveness in the design and development process of AI technologies to prevent gender biases and promote a balanced representation of genders.

In conclusion, the report by Pak NGOs calls for a user-centered design approach and stakeholder collaboration to address the ethical and bias issues in AI assistant development, urging for more inclusive and culturally sensitive AI technologies that respect and empower both genders equally.