Why the world needs more women in AI
Men have always dominated the tech sector with a two to one margin for years, according to a Statista report.
Unfortunately, it seems to have continued with the AI workforce, as the divide between genders in this industry has widened, with 71% of the workforce representing men, and only 29% representing women.
The gender gap was reported by Randstad in the study, Understanding Talent Scarcity: AI and Equity. A key finding of the report found that fewer women or about 35% are offered AI tools by their employers compared to men at 41%. This suggests a potential gender bias in workplace technology adoption that could disadvantage women.
Furthermore, women face a double disadvantage in AI skilling: they have less access to training opportunities than men, and even when trained, they feel less confident in using AI in their jobs.
Why women must learn AI tools
Women are vital to the global workforce, and ensuring equal opportunities for them becomes even more crucial during economic uncertainty. Achieving gender parity benefits both women's careers and the overall health of the global economy.
It’s even more important for women to learn AI tools as they represent 42% of the global workforce, according to the Global Gender Gap Report 2024 by the World Economic Forum. Of this, only 31.4% of women are in leadership roles.
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As advancements in technology such as generative AI shake up the workforce, there is a need for women to learn these AI tools to level their skills in the workplace. Julia McCoy of First Movers explained that it’s critical to understand the gender digital divide.
“This is especially concerning because AI will be the foundation of virtually every industry moving forward,” McCoy told Forbes. The cost of inaction here isn't just about equality — it's about global competitive advantage and real human potential we're leaving untapped.”
How to break the cycle of the gender digital divide
The urgency of bridging the gender digital divide cannot be overstated. We need to move beyond simply acknowledging the problem and take swift, large-scale action to achieve gender parity in the technology sector. This requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses systemic barriers and empowers women throughout their careers.
A crucial first step is ensuring fair hiring practices. Traditional hiring processes often inadvertently perpetuate biases, hindering women's advancement. To counter this, organisations must adopt strategies that prioritise skills and qualifications over gender.
It can include blind resume screening to reduce unconscious bias during the initial screening process, structured interviews with standardised questions and evaluation criteria to ensure all candidates are assessed on the same merits, and diverse hiring panels to bring a variety of perspectives and mitigate bias.
Beyond fair hiring, inclusive upskilling initiatives are essential for fostering a pipeline of female talent in tech. Providing women with equal access to training, mentorship, and career development opportunities is critical, especially in pre- and middle-management roles.
This can be achieved through targeted training programs in areas like AI, data science, and cybersecurity, mentorship programs connecting women with experienced guides, and sponsorship initiatives that actively advocate for women's advancement into leadership roles.
Prioritising women in AI training
As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, it's essential to ensure that women are not left behind. This requires a proactive approach to equipping them with the skills needed for the future of work, particularly in the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence. Prioritising AI training for women is paramount.
Leaders must actively encourage and support women in pursuing AI-related education and career paths by demystifying AI through introductory workshops and courses, providing scholarships and grants for women pursuing AI-related degrees or certifications, and partnering with educational institutions to develop AI curricula that cater to women's learning needs.
In addition to skills training, we need to address the subtle barriers that discourage women from applying for tech roles. Research by LinkedIn highlights the importance of skill overlap in job postings.
When women understand how their existing skills align with job requirements, they are significantly more likely to apply and be hired. To encourage this, employers should use inclusive language in job descriptions, highlight transferable skills from different fields or backgrounds, and provide detailed information about job responsibilities and required skills to help women assess their suitability.
By prioritising AI training and encouraging skill-based applications, we can empower women to pursue careers in technology and contribute their full potential to the digital economy.
Highlighting skill overlap in job postings encourages more women to apply. LinkedIn research shows that when women understand how their skills match job requirements, applications and hiring rates increase significantly.
The business case for gender diversity in AI
The evidence is clear: the world needs more women in AI. Not only is it a matter of fairness and equity, but it's also crucial for building a thriving and inclusive digital economy. Failing to address the gender gap in AI will deprive us of diverse perspectives, innovative solutions, and the full potential of the global workforce.
By empowering women in AI, businesses can unlock a wealth of benefits. Diverse teams bring a wider range of perspectives and problem-solving approaches, leading to more creative and innovative AI solutions.
Gender-balanced teams are more likely to consider a broader range of factors and mitigate bias in AI algorithms, resulting in more accurate and ethical outcomes. A diverse workforce allows businesses to better understand and serve a wider customer base, leading to increased market share and revenue growth.
By creating an inclusive environment, organisations can attract and retain top female talent in AI, ensuring a competitive advantage in the war for talent. Companies committed to gender diversity in AI are perceived as more progressive and socially responsible, attracting customers, investors, and top talent.
Investing in initiatives that promote gender parity in AI is not merely an act of corporate social responsibility; it's a strategic investment that yields significant returns. By fostering an inclusive AI ecosystem, businesses can unlock the full potential of this transformative technology and drive greater innovation, growth, and success.
The future of AI is dependent on the inclusion of all voices, and empowering women in this field is not just the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do.