As careers continue to develop in ICT (Information Communication Technology), there is a need to bridge the gender divide. According to the World Economic Forum report, Gender Parity in the Intelligent Age: March 2025, these numbers are still low. WEF notes that while women’s presence in tech fields has grown in the past few decades, rising from 26.1 per cent in 2016 to 28.2 per cent in 2024, they still represent less than one-third of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) workforce.
The UN reports “the jobs of the future will be driven by technology and innovation — 65 per cent of children entering primary school today will have jobs that do not yet exist.” With International Girls in ICT Day around the corner on April 25, the UN also points out “the ICT sector needs more girls and women.”
As part of its observance and pushing the drive for more girls and young women in ICT, CIBC Caribbean – in partnership with the St Augustine campus of The University of the West Indies and RAMPS Logistics – will host “Women in AI: Ghosts in the Machine”. The event, which is part of the Beyond Intelligence Series, will take place on April 23 at 10 am at Daaga Auditorium, UWI. The focus on AI (Artificial Intelligence) reflects the understanding that it is a transformative force in ICT. But in the Caribbean, there is concern over the grave gap in women’s participation, advancement and leadership.
Sarah Rudder-Chulhan
Sarah Rudder-Chulhan, CIBC Caribbean’s Associate Director, Digital & Client Experience also expressed such observations. “The Caribbean stands at a critical moment in the global AI shift. Despite strong talent, participation in AI innovation remains limited, particularly among women,” said Rudder-Chulhan, who is also listed as a panelist at the event.
“Through CIBC Caribbean’s Beyond Intelligence initiative, this event signals a call to action — on the eve of UN Girls in ICT Day — to empower women and young talent to actively engage, build, and lead within the AI value chain, unlocking new opportunities for economic growth and regional competitiveness.”
“Women in AI: Ghosts in the Machine” reflects the work women frequently perform in organisations and in the technology ecosystem. They do the work that influences outcomes, improves systems, and drives innovation, yet often goes unrecognised. AI adoption is accelerating but there is a struggle for the equitable inclusion of women and girls across this emerging landscape.
Dr Phaedra Mohammed
This initiative is designed to build a sustainable pipeline of women in AI, while strengthening their presence at leadership and decision-making levels. It moves beyond awareness to practical capability, visibility, and access to opportunity — ensuring women are not only participating in AI, but shaping its outcomes, its data, and its design.
“Women in AI: Ghosts in the Machine” comprises panel discussions as well as booth displays, touchscreen demos, and giveaways. The feature panel includes Dr. Phaedra Mohammed, Computer Science Lecturer at The UWI; Amanda Zilla, Principal Investigator at The Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre; and Tamika Ramkissoon, Senior Product Manager and AI Engineer. Stephan Barrow, CIBC Caribbean’s Senior Data Scientist will be moderator.
Students, members of the business community, women entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in AI and ICT are welcomed to attend and be seated by 9.30 am. For further information, contact 479-7581 (Sarah) or 461-4705 (Chelsie).
