AI for Marginalized Communities!
AI is a buzzword worldwide—but who truly benefits from it? And how do marginalized people perceive it? Answering these questions isn’t easy. Before seeking solutions, we must first understand the current state of AI adoption and its impact on marginalized communities, particularly people with disabilities. Take Mahafuza, a 36-year-old woman from Rajshahi District, Bangladesh. She has a disability and participates in a Focus Group Discussion organized by UNDP Bangladesh in January 2025 to assess the country's AI readiness. When asked to describe AI in one word and express it through painting, she created a striking image. Can you guess what it represented? After she finished, I asked her to explain. She said, “AI is something dark. Although it’s technology, it doesn’t seem good to me—maybe even bad.” What do you think? Could AI widen the digital divide for marginalized communities? If so, what solutions are needed for underserved populations? The real challenge isn’t jus...