The digital gender divide is about women being less likely than men to adopt new technologies.

'Women may miss out on the promise of these technologies and fall behind in a labor market increasingly demanding and rewarding AI skills, which can increase existing inequalities,' Franco says.

So what’s needed to close the gap? Franco’s research provides a clear answer: Clear policies that encourage responsible use of generative AI.

'My work shows that the gender gap in intended use completely closes when generative AI tools are allowed in class. But also that the flip-side is true: if AI is banned, a substantial gender gap in intended use emerges. Teaching and encouraging the use of generative AI should be a priority, but students must not be left alone in figuring out how to properly do it,' Franco says.

The theme is “Building a Balanced Future: Gender Equality in Academia and Research”.

Also on the program for this year’s 8 March seminar is Øystein Thøgersen, who will share insights into how far we have come with gender equality at NHH. Malin Arve will talk about BELONG 2024-2026.

Johannes Waage Løvhaug, Department Director at the Research Council (NFR), will share insight about the Research Council’s strategies and perspectives for equality, including the importance of gender perspectives in research and the BALANSE initiative for better inclusion and equality.

'Gender perspectives in research are necessary for a sufficient width of knowledge that research brings forth. It is important that the research questions are relevant and illuminate the issues in good ways. Gender perspectives are one such dimension that makes research more relevant in many contexts. For me, it is about quality in research,' says Løvhaug.

Frode Sættem is the moderator and will lead us through the event.

Welcome to this year's International Women's Day event 8 March!