Much of the discussion around artificial intelligence at work centres on how the technology may make us redundant. But in reality, AI is more likely to become a key tool for workers – and competence in using it is already fast-becoming a sought-after skill for employers.
The problem is that more men than women are frequently using AI at work. While 54% of men now use tools like ChatGPT in their professional or personal lives, this figure falls to just 35% of women.
This AI gender gap not only amplifies existing workplace gender biases like the pay gap, but entrenches discrimination within AI systems. After all, who creates AI tools – and contributes to the data it uses – has the potential to reinforce inequalities instead of breaking them down.
One key reason why AI adoption is slower among women is because of a long-standing lack of women in science and technology.
“Historically, women have been underrepresented in STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] fields, which has created a cyclical effect where fewer female role models and mentors are available in AI-related positions,” says University College London Professor Rose Luckin, who researches how different technologies like AI and machine learning can be used in education.
“Additionally, many AI tools and systems have been developed predominantly by male teams, sometimes leading to interfaces and applications that don’t fully consider diverse perspectives and needs,” Luckin adds.
Additionally, says Dr Fabian Stephany, assistant professor for AI and work at the University of Oxford, women disproportionately shoulder caregiving responsibilities.
“This reduces the time and resources they can dedicate to acquiring AI skills or advancing in AI-intensive careers,” he explains. “Workplace cultures and hiring practices in male-dominated industries often deter women from pursuing AI-related roles.”
In a rapidly advancing AI industry, the lack of gender perspectives, data and decision-making will only worsen the problem. The uptake of flawed AI-powered technology in jobs, education, healthcare and more could lead to biased decisions, discrimination and ultimately, poor services.
For example, artificial intelligence models play a key role in medical diagnoses. But studies have found that these models don’t always work well across all demographic groups – and are more prone to inaccuracies when diagnosing women and people of colour.
The AI gender gap not only amplifies existing workplace gender biases like the pay gap. ·Cravetiger via Getty Images
Specifically, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that AI models that analyse medical images can be biased because they use a patient’s race, gender, and age as shortcuts when making diagnoses.
“Bringing women’s perspectives into the AI development process, particularly in curating datasets, is crucial for creating inclusive designs that address their needs, making these tools more accessible and relevant,” says Dr Erin Ling, an assistant professor in AI and the future of work.
And of course, if employers are looking for workers who are proficient and confident in using AI, gaining these skills is essential for career progression. Investing in AI skills will help workers navigate the evolving job market, give women access to senior roles, and allow women to benefit from the economic opportunities AI offers.
“The AI gender gap mirrors broader workplace disparities, with women’s representation in technical roles declining over time,” adds Ling. “This imbalance is at risk of being perpetuated if AI systems are primarily developed using male-centric data.”
Although there’s a clear AI gender gap, these inequalities aren’t driven by an unwillingness of women to upskill in AI. According to Randstad’s Workmonitor 2024 report, 34% of women wouldn’t consider joining a company that doesn’t provide learning opportunities for skills like AI. So which AI skills should women consider developing?
“Both AI creator skills – for example, developing machine learning models or generative AI systems – and AI user skills (effectively applying AI in domains like HR, marketing, or healthcare) are crucial for advancing careers,” says Dr Fabian Stephany, assistant professor for AI and work at the University of Oxford.
“These skills command a substantial wage premium, with our research showing a 23% wage advantage for AI-related roles compared to non-AI roles.”
However, Luckin adds, developing uniquely human intelligence capabilities that complement AI are as important as learning to use AI tools. “Women should focus on cultivating skills that AI cannot replicate, such as social intelligence, interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, nuanced communication abilities, collaboration and relationship-building,” she says.
Cultivating critical analysis skills is also essential when using AI. These systems may be smart, but they aren’t foolproof – so it’s important to recognise mistakes. “Strategic AI integration involves understanding how to effectively incorporate AI tools to enhance human capabilities, recognising opportunities where AI can augment decision-making, developing critical evaluation skills to assess AI outputs, and maintaining human oversight and judgement,” says Luckin.
Employers can also take steps to ensure women are gaining the AI skills they need. Stephany’s recent research has found that employers are increasingly focusing on individual skills rather than formal qualifications – and offering training like AI bootcamps.
“This shift represents good news for women, as it creates more accessible pathways to high-demand AI roles, reducing reliance on traditional credentials that have historically excluded underrepresented groups,” says Stephany.
“Employers can help bridge the AI gender gap by offering non-monetary benefits, such as remote work and parental leave, that provide the flexibility many women – and men – need to balance professional and caregiving responsibilities.”
And closing the AI gender gap also involves wider conversations about the role of AI. Regardless of whether individuals come from technical or non-technical backgrounds, it’s essential to improve AI awareness among women – and empower them to understand AI’s potential impact.
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