Through three episodes in collaboration with FemData, this series unpacks the hidden impacts of data bias, examines the power dynamics driving AI systems and explores policies and initiatives shaping its future. This series seeks to explore building equitable, inclusive and responsible AI technologies that benefit everyone. Join us as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of an AI-driven world.
The last and third episode focuses on how can we influence the future of AI to ensure it benefits society. What policies and initiatives are needed to safeguard its development and use? In this programme, we will explore ideas for shaping AI through policymaking and advocacy. From the EU’s regulatory approaches to local and grassroots initiatives, we will examine the tools and strategies that can guide AI’s impact on our society.
About Speakers
Monique Steijns is the founder of theTHE PEOPLE’S AIGENCY and a legal expert in the field of human rights, ethics and technology. With the THE PEOPLE’S AIGENCY she advises clients how to create compliance strategies that can integrate ethics in innovation and decision-making. Before starting advising at THE PEOPLE’S AIGENCY she worked at the Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) as a senior fellow and researcher. She specialized and worked on the topic of data-driven technology, AI, human rights and public values. In 2021, she published the WRR Working Paper ‘AI, The People Respond! An exploration of countervailing power from civil society (AI van Repliek Gediend)‘. Steijns is the co-chair of the advisory committee Human-oriented AI / ELSA LABS and co-founder of CONNECTME@ Human Rights and Technology, an initiative to engage civil society, which is funded by Mama Cash. Her mission is to ensure technology works for ALL PEOPLE, strengthens societies, the environment and respects our fundamental rights.
Naomi Appelman is a Dutch interdisciplinary and socially engaged researcher, interested in how technology can reflect, obfuscate, or amplify social inequalities, aiming to use law, advocacy, and action to dismantle systems of oppression and instigate radical change. In 2025 she finished her PhD at the University of Amsterdam focussed on resistance and contestation to online exclusion and algorithmic discrimination. I have specialised in EU information law and democratic theory. Besides research, she has experienced in social justice advocacy as well as human rights and technology strategic litigation as the co-founder of the Racism and Technology Center, a small NGO viewing social opression, with racism in particular, through the lens of technology and engaging in a range of advocacy and litigation efforts
About FemData
FemData is an initiative founded by Myrthe Blösser and Paulina von Stackelberg, two PhD researchers at the University of Amsterdam. Committed to addressing data bias through interdisciplinary approaches, FemData organizes a variety of educational and outreach events. These events are designed to foster meaningful discussions and bring together diverse perspectives to tackle the challenges of bias in data science.
