Ahead of International ICT Girls' Day, Plan International to Hold Online Event on April 22nd: 'How Will AI Change Your Future? Recognizing Gender Bias and Empowering Your Future' - Special talk with Kumiko Morita, active in the ICT field.

Plan International (Location: Setagaya Ward, Tokyo; Chairperson: Kiyoko Ikegami; hereinafter referred to as Plan), an international NGO, will hold an online event on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in conjunction with International ICT Girls' Day*.

This year's theme is 'AI and Gender.' We will provide knowledge and hints on how to recognize the mechanisms of gender bias (stereotypes and prejudices based on gender) inherent in AI and their effects, enabling better engagement with AI.

*International ICT Girls' Day: One of the UN's International Days, designated on the fourth Thursday of April each year. In 2026, it falls on Thursday, April 23rd. It is a day aimed at encouraging girls and women to consider learning and career opportunities in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Event Overview ### Theme: How Will AI Change Your Future? Recognizing Gender Bias and Empowering Your Future Do you unconditionally believe the answers given by AI? AI derives answers by learning from vast amounts of data existing on the internet. However, this data may contain societal biases, and it is pointed out that AI can be influenced by these biases, potentially exacerbating the gender gap. In this event, we will explore, in an easy-to-understand manner, the mechanisms behind AI's gender bias, understand its impacts, and seek perspectives for proactive action alongside experts and students. Furthermore, through the stories of female guests active in the ICT field, we aim to foster the ability to recognize societal biases and choose one's own path.

Event Details **Date and Time:** Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 19:00 - approx. 20:30 **Format:** Online (Zoom Webinar) **Archive:** Scheduled to be released on YouTube **Target Audience:** Anyone interested in AI and ICT (regardless of gender or age) **How to Apply:** From here **Application Deadline:** Wednesday, April 22, 18:55 *We recommend applying by the day before (April 21st) to receive reminders.*

Program Content (Tentative) **Part 1** 'Experience AI's Gender Bias Through an Interactive Smartphone Workshop!' Using participants' own smartphones or PCs, this workshop helps attendees 'recognize' the gender bias hidden within the AI they encounter daily.

**Part 2** 'Talk Session: How Will AI Change Your Future? Recognizing Gender Bias and Empowering Your Future' We will interview Kumiko Morita, Director of NPO Waffle, an organization whose mission is to eliminate the gender gap through education and empowerment in the technology field.

Guest ### Kumiko Morita Director, NPO Waffle

Born in Nagano Prefecture. Joined NTT Docomo after graduating. As a network engineer, she was involved in project management for large data centers and consulting for network construction for mobile carriers in various Asian countries. Afterward, she transferred to the company's US subsidiary in NY, where she engaged in technology research and new business development. In Washington D.C., she conducted policy research and made recommendations to industry groups and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Upon returning to Japan, she participated in launching 'LEAN IN DOCOMO,' Japan's first corporate LEAN IN circle aimed at women's empowerment. With official approval from the HR department, she provided workshops and seminars to approximately 1,000 people during her tenure. She began involvement with Waffle, founded in 2020, as a pro bono volunteer. She left NTT Docomo in 2022 to join Waffle. Currently, she is in charge of collaborations with partner companies and policy recommendations.

Keywords: AI, Gender, Gender Bias, Girls, ICT, IT, Plan International, ICT Girls' Day, Online Event

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: News