Artificial Intelligence

Feminist Researcher in Residence 2026

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

Focus: Gender and AI

Women don't need fixing. Systems do.

As the inaugural Feminist Researcher in Residence, Dr Elise Stephenson is currently examining the connection between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and gender. In October 2026, the Victorian Women’s Trust published Dr Stephenson’s initial findings in Gender and AI: Where’s the Harm?, a Research Snapshot looking at the current AI policy landscape in Australia. Dr Stephenson’s residency will culminate in a White Paper in 2027.

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

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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 brings 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.

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