Everywhere you look, headlines warn that artificial intelligence (AI) is “taking over” – replacing jobs, reshaping industries, and rewriting the future of work. For many, especially women, underrepresented communities and those from developing countries, this can sound like a reason to step back from tech altogether.
The truth is, now is exactly the time to step forward. AI is powerful, but it’s shaped by the people who build it and without diverse voices at the table, the technology of tomorrow will be built for only a privileged few. If you ever felt left out of tech, your perspective is not just welcome. It is needed. Let’s examine the issues.
Why pursue tech when AI is “taking over”?
Today AI has evolved quickly and perhaps in ways we did not imagine. Currently AI is being used to automate repetitive tasks and some creative ones too. People seem to be throwing their arms up as if this is the end of the world as we know it. Not so. We are however on a new iteration, in which tech – AI – may well be a driving force. People are however still needed. We will be the ones creating, governing, questioning, and guiding AI. New human jobs will be these areas. The need for people who understand AI, shape its behaviour, and apply it ethically is growing, not shrinking
AI isn’t replacing everything—yet. It’s changing work.
There are many roles within “tech industry” that incorporate AI. These include roles in design, ethics, policy, community building, writing, operations, and more. AI literacy – understanding what AI is , the different versions and how to use it will matter more and more across fields. Being a a coder is no longer the only way to be powerful in tech.
Tech isn’t just programming anymore.
Like many tech systems, AI systems reflect the biases of those who build them. The lack of diversity in AI development leads to systems that can potentially harm marginalised communities. If you’re from a group historically left out, your perspective is not only valid—it’s critical. That’s the reason getting prepared by training, understanding and engaging is important. That’s power.
People from underrepresented groups are still underpaid and overlooked—but also needed.
But let’s be real: barriers are very real.
Now as I encourage people from underrepresented communities to be involved in Tech and AI, I am fully aware that they face real barriers. Barriers include:
Access to quality education, mentorship, or even basic internet is not universal. There are many people in many countries that due to lack of funds, lack of availability, lack of access that do not have access to resources others deem as fundamental. Tech “bootcamps” often ignore that.
Gatekeeping—racism, sexism, ableism, classism, along with many other isms still dominate hiring pipelines and tech culture. How do you get in if the gatekeepers can only see the ism and not the brimming talent.
Most benefits of AI go to wealthy countries and people. This global inequality isn’t being fixed by AI—it’s often being made worse.
Your skepticism is more than fair—it’s necessary. This begs the question “Why try?”
So why even try? Especially if you’re poor, marginalized, or from a developing country?
Because tech is power. And if only the privileged hold it, the rest of the world gets shaped without a say.
If you’re in a marginalized group, you have the right to take space in tech. Not to serve it, but to changeit.
You don’t owe tech anything. But if you’re interested—even curious—know that:
- There are growing global, open, and community-led initiatives that support people like you: from grassroots coding collectives to scholarship-based programs.
- You can learn valuable digital and AI literacy skills without needing to become a Silicon Valley insider.
- The tech world needs more people who challenge the system, not just build it.
If you’re considering tech, but feel shut out, here are a few practical routes
- Community-based learning:
- Groups like Black Girls Code, Code First Girls, Techqueria, ReDI School, IBM Skillsbuild, Futurelearn are built for marginalized people.
- Open learning:
- Free programs like CS50 from Harvard, Google’s AI for Anyone, Cisco Network Academy, EdX, Microsoft Learn or even Khan Academy offer real learning, no cost.
- Remote jobs, freelance, & gig-based roles:
- Even basic digital skills (e.g., data entry, digital design, writing) can be pathways to online work—if you’re guided right.
- Advocacy and policy in tech:
- Roles in ethics, regulation, or AI justice are expanding. You don’t need to code to shape how AI affects your community.
Final Thoughts
Final thought:
You don’t have to believe tech is the only future. But tech will shape your future, whether you choose it or not. That’s why access and representation matter. That’s why you matter.
If you feel excluded—you’re not wrong. But don’t let a broken system tell you you don’t belong. Let’s build the version where you do.
Would you like resources tailored to your region, background, or interest? I can help dig them up just comment in this post or message me on instagram . Learn. Innovate. Grow.
#AIForEveryone #InclusiveTech #DiversityInTech #TechCareers #RepresentationMatters
