WIC launches AI Image Equity Challenge to empower women in ICT and address biases in AI

Posted on 17 July, 2025

As ethical debates surrounding AI continue, WIC plans to reshape the narrative and introduce a fresh perspective by elevating diverse voices across the industry.

The non-profit organisation, Women in ICT (WIC), is launching its AI image equity challenge to highlight women’s efforts in technology and reshape the visual narrative of the industry.

WIC is committed to advancing women and girls in ICT and therefore aim to increase visibility, challenge stereotypes and equip women with the confidence to thrive in AI.

This challenge invites anyone and everyone to create AI-generated images that spotlight and celebrate the untold stories of women in technology.

The idea for the competition came when WIC noticed that women are being significantly underrepresented in technology. As WIC President Josephine Calabria explains, even when searching terms such as “technologist” or “Chief Information Officer”, she explains that only images of men appear.

“AI is already shaping public perception in a big way – so we saw an opportunity not only to challenge stereotypes, but to help women and girls build confidence using these tools themselves.”

Josephine says that it is so important for women to get involved in AI because it’s shaping every part of our lives.

“If women aren’t part of designing, building and governing these systems, there’s a real risk AI will continue to reflect – and even amplify – existing gender biases,” she explains.

AI can be a powerful tool in expanding creativity and increasing efficiency; however, it is only as good as the data it is trained on. This not only reflects society’s biases, but amplifies them in concerning ways.

“Whether it’s addressing unconscious bias or ensuring fairer, more inclusive applications, having women involved in AI helps create technology that’s not just smart, but ethical and representative of the communities it serves,”  says Josephine

Outdated gender stereotypes continue to paint AI as a hyper-technical, male-dominated field, which is discouraging to women. This challenge not only celebrates women in technology, but creates a safe, creative and visible way for women to engage with AI.

Highlighting women’s stories is so important in broadening our collective idea of who belongs in this space. When we share the diverse journeys of women in tech, we’re showing that there’s no one path into the industry. As  Josephine says “You can’t be what you can’t see”.

WIC is encouraging everyone to get involved and spark important conversations about gender equality in ICT. The real impact and change happen when everyone plays a part!

Entries will be judged based on four categories – representation and creativity, impact and storytelling, technical execution and quality, and ethical and responsible AI use. Make sure your artwork is original and reflects the diverse reality of the industry.

Once you have created your AI-generated image, upload your submission to Woobox with a short narrative or 30-second video about the women you chose to represent and why. You’ll have to make sure you disclose any prompts, AI tools, algorithms and source materials used.

Entries close on Sunday 10 August, winners will be notified and receive their prizes in September – one of which includes an Eizo FlexScan EV2460 monitor, valued at $560.

Entries will be judged by WIC board members and art and technology leaders, including multiple Walkley Award-winning journalist, author and broadcaster, Tracey Spicer AM.

For more information on how to get involved, visit wic.org.au/ai-image-equity-challenge