Contributions of Artificial Intelligence to Achieve Gender Equality in the Decision-Making Processes in Energy Projects

Abstract

The aim of the research is to identify the contributions of artificial intelligence to achieving gender equality conditions in the decision-making processes of indigenous groups and communities in energy projects. Although local laws and international commitments protect the right to free, prior, and informed consent, experiences in Latin America indicate that women may encounter obstacles to representation in local communities, lack sufficient information, or have their needs, concerns, and desires overlooked regarding the impact of planned activities within their territories. Through the historic and analytical methods, this research will explore the vulnerability of indigenous women, as well as the rules and landmark cases that have interpreted the scope of the free, prior, and informed consent, which is important for the development of energy infrastructure. In this regard, further strategies should be implemented to effectively communicate with indigenous people. It is deemed that the appropriate use of artificial intelligence could be an important tool to explain clearly the risks and benefits of the energy projects and allow women to participate to offer some suggestions for improvements according to their own needs and aspirations, as well as to identify paths to achieve energy justice. The theoretical approach of this research will lead to further developments of artificial intelligence to assist women involved in the energy decision-making processes and explore further horizons for gender equality. In addition, it is important to consider that the uses of artificial intelligence should be aimed at helping vulnerable people. In this regard, the paths and challenges of artificial intelligence as a tool to contribute to the protection of human rights should be explored.