In a tech-driven world where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, innovation thrives on diversity. Yet, women continue to be significantly underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)—especially in the AI and data science sectors. Women currently make up just 28% of the STEM workforce and a mere 22% of AI professionals globally. This stark disparity highlights the need for inclusive representation to foster both fairness and technological progress.
On this front, the UNDP’s SDG AI Lab, part of the Istanbul International Centre for Private Sector in Development, is leading by example. This innovative lab, dedicated to using frontier technologies to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), champions gender equality in tech through strategic training, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.
Among its standout contributors are four remarkable women—İrem Zırhlıoğlu, Eda Nur Saruhan, Salsabila Prasetya, and Dila Aslan—whose stories serve as powerful inspiration for the next generation of AI leaders.
1. İrem Zırhlıoğlu: Engineering Inclusion Through AI
Role: Programme Analyst
“My journey has been shaped by curiosity, collaboration, volunteering, and a passion for using engineering and technology to solve global challenges. I believe in the power of giving back to the community and hope to encourage more women to explore, lead, and inspire others in this field.” — İrem Zırhlıoğlu
Key Contributions:
- Trained 400 young people, including 190 women, in AI and programming at the Samsung Innovation Campus
- Led a special AI cohort for 25 women in STEM
- Researches gender bias in artificial intelligence
- Background in chemical engineering and sustainable energy from Boğaziçi University
Driven by curiosity and a deep love for science, İrem Zırhlıoğlu has carved her own space in the AI ecosystem. Inspired by her engineer mother, İrem was drawn to mathematics and physics at a young age. Her journey, however, was not without roadblocks. She faced biased recruitment, unfair performance evaluations, and limited networking opportunities—all common barriers for women in STEM.
Despite these challenges, İrem remains a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment in tech. Her work at the SDG AI Lab goes beyond teaching coding—it’s about reshaping narratives and opening doors for women across generations.
2. Eda Nur Saruhan: Championing Women in Frontier Tech
Role: Data Analyst
“My journey took a pivotal turn when I joined the SDG AI Lab. Initially, I was not fully aware of the struggles women face in LDCs or the full scope of the Sustainable Development Goals. But after engaging directly with them, my perspective shifted profoundly. That’s when I made it my mission to support these women and ensure they benefit from every opportunity.” — Eda Nur Saruhan
Key Contributions:
- Trained 400 young individuals (106 of them women) in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) through the Frontier Tech Leaders Programme
- Developed and taught “Digital Solutions for SDGs” at Koç University
- Pursuing a PhD in computer science and engineering
- A vocal advocate for gender equality in tech education
Eda Nur Saruhan’s love for engineering sparked from playful childhood experiments and science cartoons. But her journey was often marred by societal doubt and the presumption that women couldn’t thrive in tech. She chose to push back against these stereotypes—and succeeded.
At the SDG AI Lab, Eda leads transformative training programs for youth in some of the world’s most disadvantaged regions. Her mission intensified after engaging with female data scientists in LDCs, where she saw firsthand the unique challenges they face.
3. Salsabila Prasetya: Mapping Equity Through GIS
Role: GIS Fellow
“My advice to fellow women in STEM is to stay committed to learning and believe in yourself. When faced with challenges, persistence is key.” – — Salsabila Prasetya
Key Contributions:
- Works on sustainable land use and Digital Social Vulnerability Index projects
- Co-develops GIS and remote sensing training courses
- Focused on equipping women with geospatial data skills
- Advocates for persistence and self-confidence among women in STEM
From Indonesia to the global development stage, Salsabila Prasetya is proving how geospatial intelligence can drive change. As a GIS Fellow, she is at the forefront of projects related to land sustainability and digital vulnerability, aiming to map the invisible inequalities that affect marginalized communities.
She is also actively building pathways for women in STEM through skill development in GIS—one of the fastest-growing tech sectors today. Salsabila believes that while systemic change is essential, personal persistence and belief are equally powerful.
4. Dila Aslan: Breaking Stereotypes with Language Models
Role: Data Science Fellow
“True inclusivity in STEM begins with dismantling gender stereotypes from an early age and encouraging girls to explore science freely.” — Dila Aslan
Key Contributions:
- Supports natural language processing (NLP) projects at SDG AI Lab
- Works with large language models like GPT and Gemini for sustainable tourism and financial inclusion
- Advocates for early engagement of girls in STEM education
- Promotes dismantling gender stereotypes in science
In the world of AI and natural language processing, Dila Aslan is proving that data science is not just a man’s game. At the SDG AI Lab, Dila is using cutting-edge technologies to address real-world problems, from boosting sustainable tourism to improving access to financial systems.
Beyond the data, she’s focused on advocacy—stressing the importance of early exposure to science for girls. For her, inclusion must start from the root: dismantling outdated gender norms that discourage young girls from exploring science and engineering.
Empowering Women in Tech: A Core Mission at SDG AI Lab
The efforts of İrem, Eda, Salsabila, and Dila are not isolated successes—they’re part of a larger movement within the SDG AI Lab, which is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through a combination of training programs, mentorship, and fieldwork, the Lab has trained over 300 women, supported by 13 women volunteers, helping cultivate a new generation of female tech leaders.
Their work is a living testament to the idea that diversity drives innovation. By uplifting women in AI and data science, the SDG AI Lab is not only accelerating the SDGs—it is also rewriting the narrative of who belongs in tech.
Outlook
These four inspiring women are trailblazers in their fields, proving that AI, data science, and GIS are enriched by inclusivity. Their achievements illuminate the path for countless others and challenge long-standing barriers in the tech industry. As the SDG AI Lab continues its mission, it serves as a beacon of hope and a powerful model for how frontier technologies can be used to create not only smarter but fairer futures.
Let their stories inspire the next generation of women and girls to dream boldly, innovate fearlessly, and lead with confidence.
Read more interesting stories from recent article: Middle East’s Top 20 Women Leaders Driving Innovation and Change in 2025
