Artificial Intelligence

Feminist Researcher in Residence 2026

The Victorian Women’s Trust’s Feminist Researcher in Residence program turns rigorous research into national advocacy.

In 2026, Dr Elise Stephenson will examine artificial intelligence and gender equality, culminating in a White Paper on gender and AI governance.

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Women don't need fixing. Systems do.

AI is the system being built right now, and like every system before it, it risks being built without women. VWT’s Feminist Researcher in Residence program brings feminist rigour to the questions of AI governance that will define economic security, safety and equality for the next generation.

Keen to connect?
Contact Ally Oliver-Perham, Head of Programs and Partnerships
allyson@vwt.org.au

Genevieve Smith & Ishita Rustagi, “When Good Algorithms Go Sexist: Why and How to Advance AI Gender Equity,” Stanford Social Innovation Review, March 31, 2021.
Siddhi Pal, Ruggero Marino Lazzaroni & Paula Mendoza, “AI’s Missing Link: The Gender Gap in the Talent Pool,” interface, October 10, 2024.
International Labour Organization, “Gen AI, occupational segregation and gender equality in the world of work,” research brief, 5 March 2026.

A study of 133 AI systems across different industries found that about 44 per cent showed gender bias. (1)

44%

Women make up only 22% of AI talent globally, and less than 14% of senior executive roles in AI. (2)

22%

Female-dominated occupations are almost twice as likely to be negatively impacted by generative AI, as male-dominated ones — 29% versus 16%. (3)

29%

Meet our inaugural Feminist Researcher in Residence

Dr Elise Stephenson is Deputy Director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at ANU, founded and chaired by Julia Gillard. An ARC DECRA Fellow specialising in gender, AI, leadership and national security, Dr Stephenson will bring a wealth of expertise and shared feminist values to this initiative.

“I believe the Residency isn’t just about documenting the harms but doing something tangible about it — for the betterment of individuals, communities, organisations, and even our very democracy.”

Dr Elise Stephenson, Feminist Researcher in Residence 2026

The Feminist Researcher in Residence program is a harm prevention initiative from the Dugdale Trust for Women and Girls, of which the Victorian Women’s Trust is sole Trustee.

Our work is built on the belief that equality is possible, hope is necessary, and collective effort is the only way forward.

From feminist research to supporting the next generation of activists, every project is a direct line to a future where women, girls and gender diverse people matter.

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