(GENDER-)EQUITABLE IT?!
Unfortunately, digital developments are not inherently equitable or fair. Lisa Hanstein, an expert in IT and discrimination, presents ways to develop more inclusive IT products as part of a hearing held by the state capital of Munich. What options are available for the gender-equitable development and deployment of digital services?
The problem:
There are frequent reports of cases where digital products exclude people—often women, but also individuals based on other characteristics such as skin color, age, religion, or origin.
The reasons:
The reasons for this are manifold. Sometimes, flawed decisions throughout the development process lead to inequitable software when the needs and requirements of end users are not sufficiently considered. Often, the unconscious stereotypes and biases of those involved in the development and deployment of digital technologies can find their way into products, even without malicious intent. One explanation for this is the so-called "I-methodology": we tend to project our own experiences onto others. As a result, we develop products that work well for us, but potentially not for other end users.
The solutions:
EAF expert Lisa Hanstein was invited on July 8, 2021, to a city council hearing of the state capital of Munich where she discussed the implementation of gender equality in the city's digitalization strategy with other representatives from the municipal administration, academia, and the field. In addition to presenting several very concrete tips, tools, and methods, her keynote speech on "gender-equitable digital services in practice" addressed the fundamental aspects organizations should consider when developing and deploying more inclusive technology.
Lisa Hanstein views (gender) equality as a holistic task.
In this sense, an IT system should not only be checked for (gender) equality once it is already in use. Rather, it is important that diversity and fairness are actively integrated into all phases—from the initial idea, needs analysis, specification, tendering, and procurement or development, to testing, implementation, and operation. The following points should be considered:
- Diversity of perspectives and participatory development: To meet the specific needs of diverse end users, heterogeneous design teams and a variety of expertise are essential. Furthermore, it is important to integrate as many different user perspectives as possible and to reflect on one's own stereotypes. It can be helpful to ask potential users about the requirements for a desired solution and to develop and test the solution together with them.
- Focus on IT - Questioning neutrality and preventing potential discrimination: First, the use of an application should be reviewed. Are the processes or the underlying model of a desired solution fair and inherently gender-equitable? Is the process even suitable for automation, or should decisions be made manually due to error rates? It is also worth taking a look at the framework conditions: Does everyone have access? Do users receive enough support, or is too much technical knowledge assumed? The application itself should also be reviewed. Does the language address everyone equally? Do the images and content used reflect (gender) stereotypes and role clichés? Are the user interface and interactive controls designed so that everyone can find their way around? Is there a balanced gender ratio in contributions and examples? The functions of an IT system should also be checked. Are the basic functionalities fair and gender-neutral? Are the data adequately extracted/generated for automated decisions based on large amounts of data? Are they appropriate and sufficient? Are diversity and quality correct?
- Securing skills for everyone! Another important point is raising awareness that digital technology is not necessarily neutral and fair, but that active steps towards equality are required. This primarily requires skills in IT & equality. This could include, for example, training on gender or unconscious bias for everyone involved in development. However, this also requires IT skills among equality stakeholders so that they can provide even better support and advice. And, of course, it also requires strengthening skills in the specialist departments. Employees must be sensitized to the risks and limitations of the gender-equitable use of IT systems and city services.
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