In a world where AI sorts your life out—from giving directions to switching on your lights—it’s practically a second brain (or a very patient flatmate). A few years back, we got voice assistants, making life as easy as brewing a cup of tea.
AI can drive cars, write essays, and even predict your next online shopping spree. But if you’ve ever asked Alexa to play your tunes, begged Siri for directions, or told Cortana to remind you about bin day, you might’ve noticed a pattern—most AI assistants sound like women. Helpful, polite, and sometimes a bit cheeky.
But here’s the real question: Why are our virtual helpers almost always female? AI can do just about everything, yet it still assumes women are best at setting reminders and keeping track of your to-do list.
The Gender Stereotype Hidden in Your Smart Speaker
From secretaries in old films to the default voices of AI, the idea of women as assistants is nothing new. After all, they always seem to know everything—just ask Donna from Suits, the queen of quick wit and perfect timing.
Here’s the thing: when AI first took shape, text-to-speech systems were mostly trained on female voices. Some researchers argue that women tend to articulate vowel sounds more clearly or that their pitch is simply easier to hear. Studies even suggest that people find female voices more soothing and trustworthy.
But let’s be real—it’s not like men mumble their way through life or lack warmth. It’s just that gender roles have been hardwired into our tech from the get-go. While AI assistants default to female voices, the issue runs deeper—technology mirrors the biases of its creators. AI plays a growing role in workplaces, from recruitment tools to virtual meetings.
If bias is built into the code, it won’t just reflect stereotypes—it will reinforce them beyond just voice assistants. Sure, Siri and other AI assistants now let you switch between male and female voices, but flipping a toggle switch won’t undo decades of ingrained bias. As AI evolves, so must the way we design it—because technology should reflect progress, not outdated assumptions.
Why This Matters: Representation in AI
The way AI is designed shapes not just how we interact with technology, but also how we see each other. If AI assistants are always cast as women—the ones reminding you to take the bins out, switch off the lights, and keep life in order—what message does that send?
Think about it. The very AI you rely on was likely developed by brilliant women in tech, yet the AI itself? Stuck playing the role of a digital housekeeper. It’s a small but telling part of the bigger picture of gender equality in technology.
Some AI companies are starting to recognise this. In the UK, AI researchers and startups are investing in ethical AI design, moving beyond gendered voices towards more inclusive, human-like assistants. In 2019, UNESCO pointed out that making AI assistants female by default only reinforces outdated stereotypes. The point isn’t about women taking over tech—it’s about questioning whether we’re still clinging to old-fashioned ideas of women as caretakers, even in our most advanced technology.
The Rise of Gender-Neutral AI
The good news? Change is happening. Some companies, including those in the UK, are developing gender-neutral AI voices like Q, designed to exist beyond traditional male or female tones. Others are introducing more customisation options, letting users choose voices that feel more representative—whether that’s a business leader, a scientist, or even a football coach. AI is evolving, and so is the way we interact with it.
Google Assistant and Alexa now offer multiple voice options, and UK-based AI firms are leading the way in reducing bias in voice technology. The next step? Making diversity the default, not the exception.
What’s Next?
AI knows no bounds, and its future is full of possibilities. Imagine an AI that truly reflects diversity—not just in voice, but in the way it interacts. What if your assistant could sound like a visionary CEO, a passionate scientist, or even your favourite historical figure? The future of AI is more just about being smart—it’s about being inclusive.
And as Sheryl Sandberg once said, “We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic.” This International Women’s Day, let’s challenge AI to reflect that too.
Final Thought
This Women’s Day, let’s rethink how we design and interact with technology. AI is evolving, and so are we. Just like AI is breaking boundaries, so are women—leading, innovating, and reshaping industries. But progress isn’t just about technology; it’s about real-world impact.
At Share At Door Step, we make giving back effortless with our tech-enabled doorstep donation service. Your books, laptops, or art supplies can go directly to social organisations in London that support women—helping them gain new skills, rebuild their lives, and create opportunities for a stronger future.
So, this International Women’s Day, let’s go beyond words. Schedule a pickup with Share At Door Step and turn what you no longer need into something life-changing. Because real change starts with action.
Happy Women’s Day to all the unstoppable, brilliant, and fierce women out there!