According to the Stanford Social Innovation Review¹, AI Algorithms exhibiting gender bias resulted in 70% of lower quality of service for women. At Mary Kay, we know a level playing field is not only key but vital for women entrepreneurs to thrive in today’s digital economy.

In 2021, Mary Kay joined forces with the Equal Rights Trust (ERT) to support a new field of research new research focused on understanding and addressing the discriminatory impacts of artificial intelligence and its impacts on gender equality, and the development of a new “equality by design approach.” Equal Rights Trust (ERT) is an independent international non-governmental organization which exists to eliminate discrimination and ensure everyone can participate in society on an equal basis.

“Addressing potential gender bias in new technologies and working to ensure that AI technology is designed to foster equality is another path for Mary Kay to demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity as core to our mission of enriching women’s lives,” said Melinda Foster Sellers, Chief People Officer at Mary Kay.

The initiative culminated with the recent launch of a new set of legal standards – the Principles on Equality by Design in Algorithmic Decision-Making – developed by the Equal Rights Trust and endorsed by a group of leading international equality organizations. The pioneering research includes guidance on how to ensure that AI technology and machine learning are developed and used in ways which accelerate equality. The Principles build the case for an “Equality by Design” approach to system design as an integral part of the development process. The Principles also elaborate why national governments and businesses must adopt such an approach and provide detailed guidance for its implementation.

For the most recent updates on Mary Kay’s global sustainability strategy, click here.

¹ https://ssir.org/articles/entry/when_good_algorithms_go_sexist_why_and_how_to_advance_ai_gender_equity#

Mary Kay

Mary Kay

Then. Now. Always. One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. That dream has blossomed into a global company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 35 countries. For 60 years, the Mary Kay opportunity has empowered women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in preserving our planet for future generations, protecting women impacted by cancer and domestic abuse, and encouraging youth to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com, find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on Twitter.

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