17th March 

Presented by Dr MaryAnn Ferreux  

What is it?

This webinar shares the findings from two commissioned studies by Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex exploring gender bias in AI systems and the leadership gap shaping digital health. Drawing on community research with ethnically diverse women, expert interviews and case studies in cardiology and maternity care, it reveals how bias enters datasets, design and procurement. It highlights the system evidence of how leadership diversity directly influences outcomes.

Why should I care?

Women represent half the population but only 22% of the global AI workforce. Because women’s voices are often absent from early design and commissioning decisions, bias in data leads to bias in diagnosis, risk scoring and access to care. When fewer women shape AI, the consequences show up in clinical outcomes. Commissioning, regulation and innovation will all directly affect women's health and whether women will benefit from advances in AI.

Does it impact healthcare?

AI now influences cardiology pathways, maternity services, population health analytics and procurement decisions. Our research shows that without clear standards for dataset diversity, bias mitigation and leadership representation, inequity becomes embedded in systems. This session outlines practical system actions across leadership, commissioning, governance and policy, so AI improves women’s health rather than widening existing gaps.

About the speaker:

Dr MaryAnn Ferreux, Chief Medical Officer, Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex

MaryAnn is an award-winning medical leader with over 20 years’ international experience in Australia and the UK. A certified healthcare executive, she specialises in digital innovation, clinical transformation and population health. Known as a positive disruptor, she drives sustainable change, inspires innovation, and champions equity to improve patient experience and outcomes. An organisational coach and mentor, she supports aspiring leaders from disadvantaged backgrounds. As an international speaker and thought leader on health equity, she leads projects tackling digital exclusion, advancing women’s health, and embedding equity in health policy and innovation.