Tech has an image problem. For too long, the face of innovation has been overwhelmingly male. And, the stories splashed across screens rarely reflect the women driving change behind the scenes. But, that narrative is about to get a serious glow-up – with credit going to a clever new competition that’s putting the art in artificial intelligence and aiming to raise the bar on inclusive AI.
Canberra-based non-profit Women in ICT (WIC) has launched its AI Image Equity Challenge, a creative campaign that’s calling on everyday Aussies to reimagine the tech industry – this time, with women front and centre.
“Tech has an image problem, and we all know that you can’t be what you can’t see,” said WIC President Josephine Calabria (pictured in main feature image with other WIC board members). “As AI continues to evolve, it’s essential that women aren’t just part of the conversation but leading it. Especially when it comes to shaping how the technology is applied and understood.”
In other words, it’s time to change the face of tech. Literally.
This isn’t just a competition; it’s a call to (artistic) arms. The challenge invites people to create AI-generated images that spotlight and celebrate the untold stories of women in technology. It’s about replacing tired stereotypes with powerful visuals that better reflect the diversity of the real industry. Think: a female robotics engineer fine-tuning space tech, a software developer designing inclusive apps, or a cyber expert protecting critical infrastructure. All depicted through the imaginative lens of AI art.
It’s also a fun and low-barrier way to engage with technology in a meaningful way. You don’t need to be a coding expert or a creative genius. All you need is an idea, a willingness to experiment with AI tools, and a passion for gender equity. Submissions can include a short written narrative or a 30-second video explaining the story behind your image and the woman – or women – you’ve chosen to spotlight.
There are some pretty sweet prizes up for grabs too. Sponsors keen to support inclusivity in tech have generously donated prizes, including an Eizo FlexScan EV2460 monitor valued at $560, which the winner will take home. But, more than that, it’s the chance to have your work judged by industry leaders. These include multiple Walkley Award-winning journalist, broadcaster and Game Changers Host Tracey Spicer AM, along with members of the WIC board and other experts in art and AI.
And this isn’t just about pretty pictures. Submissions will be judged across four key criteria:
• Representation and creativity (25%). How imaginatively and inclusively you interpret women in tech.
• Impact and storytelling (25%). The power of your image and its accompanying narrative.
• Technical execution (25%). The clarity and composition of your artwork.
• Ethical and responsible AI use (25%). Transparency around your prompts and tools, and respect for copyright.
Importantly, the challenge champions ethical AI use, asking entrants to disclose the tools, prompts, and source material used. It’s part of WIC’s broader mission to ensure tech – especially AI – is being built and used in a way that’s transparent, inclusive, and aligned with community values.
Entries close on August 10, and winners will be announced in September. So, if you want to get creative with AI and make a meaningful statement about representation in tech, now’s your moment to enter!
It’s just the latest initiative from WIC, who’ve long been working to tackle the gender gap in ICT. In addition to annual awards and networking events, the organisation runs a Work Experience Connection Program aimed at helping girls and gender-diverse students explore careers in technology. Host organisations for the program include heavyweights like the Australian Federal Police and Microsoft.