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Girls Who Code Introduces "Speak On It" Campaign

In an innovative move, Girls Who Code, the renowned non-profit organization aimed at closing the gender gap in tech, has recently launched a thought-provoking campaign entitled "Speak On It." This initiative invites girls and nonbinary youth to express their feelings and insights on artificial intelligence (AI), encouraging them to take an active role in shaping this impactful technology.

A Call for Inclusion in AI

The campaign emerges against a backdrop where currently 71% of the AI workforce comprises men, highlighting a significant gender disparity in the creation and deployment of AI technology. According to Tarika Barrett, the CEO of Girls Who Code, “Speak On It amplifies the voices of girls and nonbinary youth — the very people being left out of the rooms where AI is being created.” This initiative is not just about inclusion; it’s about empowering the next generation to see themselves as active creators of AI.

The Hot Take Hotline

At the heart of the campaign is the Hot Take Hotline (320-HOT-TAKE), a unique platform where young individuals can text their thoughts and opinions about AI. Excitingly, select submissions will be showcased on the Speak On It website, serving as a springboard for broader dialogues and actions within the community.

Leaning into its mission, the campaign also includes engaging collaborations with creators like Brooke Barone and Michelle Lawson, who share genuine perspectives on AI, inspiring girls and nonbinary youth to explore their roles as both makers and critics in technology.

Notably, the charismatic LizaBanks, a comedian and NYC tour guide, took to the bustling streets during the New York Film Festival and Comic Con, gathering authentic insights from everyday people about their views on AI.

Expanding the Conversation

Set to deepen the conversation, a special episode of the TikTok show Are You Okay?, premiering on October 20, will explore these discussions further, urging a wider audience to engage in the dialogue about how AI intersects with their lives.

Moreover, to ground the campaign in research, the new report, "Youth & AI: What Young Women Think About Generative AI," produced in collaboration with UCLA, reveals the perceptions and concerns of Gen Z girls and nonbinary youth regarding generative AI, examining its influence on their identities, futures, and actions.

The Broader Impact of Girls Who Code

Girls Who Code stands as a beacon of hope in the technology landscape, having reached over 760,000 students globally. Their innovative campaigns, such as the world’s first codeable music video with Doja Cat, have garnered over 14.9 billion impressions, making them leaders in fostering young talent, especially among underrepresented groups in technology.

As the organization strives to shape an inclusive future in tech, the Speak On It campaign epitomizes its commitment to nurturing the next generation’s ability to engage with AI in a responsible, ethical, and creative manner.

To join the conversation or learn more about this initiative, visit speakonit.ai and connect with Girls Who Code on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of the youth and pave the way for a diverse future in technology!