Why our work matters

Data is not neutral

Data does not exist in a vacuum. Data is collected, analyzed, interpreted, and distributed by people, who bring to their work their subjective experiences and biases. The way that data is collected, analyzed and distributed can create and perpetuate power imbalances—or correct them.

Diverse opinions and thought are central to a healthy future Bringing diverse perspectives and a wide range of experiences into data science helps correct power imbalances and contribute to equitable decision-making. Data analytics, if properly applied, hold great potential to target inequities and reduce disparities.

The value of a diversified workforce

Research shows that gender equality has a positive impact on the workplace. The presence of women increases a group’s problem-solving abilities (Woolley et al. (2010) and drives innovation (Sastre (2014). Gender diversity is also associated with higher sales revenues, larger numbers of customers, as well as greater relative profits (Herring (2009).

“Non-homogeneous teams are more capable than homogenous teams of recognizing their biases and solving issues when interpreting data, testing solutions or making decisions.”

Nahia Orduña

C0-founder, Munich chapter

Eliminating bias enhances financial outcomes

“25% of growth in U.S. GDP between 1960 and 2010 can be attributed to greater gender and racial balance in the workplace.” This figure could be as high as 40%.

Mentoring programs enhance upward mobility by

• Infusing diverse populations representation at the management level from 9% to 24%.

• Escalating promotion and retention rates for minorities and women—15% to 38% as compared to non-mentored employees.7

Millions of job opportunities

The data science job industry is growing at breakneck speed. According to Forbes, the demand for data scientists and advanced analysts grew by 28% in 2020 alone. In 2021, there will be more than 2.7 million data scientist job openings in the US alone. WiBD is committed to helping women and equity allies seize these opportunities—because it benefits job seekers, employers, and the world at large

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Meeting the demand in a burgeoning field

Data science is a tool being harnessed at every level, in every industry today, to shape tomorrow. Data science is an essential tool in business and technology, but it is disproportionately gathered, analyzed, and harnessed by men.

We believe our members and leaders offer untapped talent, ingenuity, and unique perspectives that will amplify the positive impact of data science on our future. To that end, our supportive community of women and men are united in a common vision in which gender doesn’t limit significant participation in data science-influenced careers. “Cognitive bias will heavily impair judgment on the kind of data that powers the cloud. It is important to ensure that we mitigate this with diverse representation driving key questions around data collection, curation and implementation.”

Radhika Rangarajan

Co-founder, Women in Big Data