Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the global workforce, but women remain underrepresented in both AI skills and jobs. Despite the risk of AI deepening existing gender disparities, new research shows that women are rapidly closing the gap—and with the right interventions, they can catch up and thrive in the intelligent age.
As of 2025, women make up less than one-third of AI-skilled professionals worldwide, with only 29.4% of those listing AI engineering skills on LinkedIn being women, up from 23.5% in 2018. Women are more likely than men to work in roles disrupted by AI and automation, while men are more likely to occupy AI-augmented roles and transition to them faster.
In the US, women’s adoption of generative AI was about half that of men’s in 2023, but the gap is narrowing quickly—Deloitte predicts women’s use of generative AI will equal or exceed men’s by the end of 2025.
Structural inequities, such as limited access to reskilling, underrepresentation in AI development (just 22% of AI professionals are women), and a lack of confidence or perceived respect in the workplace, have slowed women’s entry into AI roles. Trust issues also play a role: women are less likely to trust AI companies with their data, which can inhibit adoption and engagement.
The gender gap in AI skills narrowed in 74 of 75 economies studied between 2018 and 2025, according to the World Economic Forum. Women’s optimism about AI is growing, with more seeing AI as career-enhancing and more actively seeking out training opportunities. In the US and Europe, women’s adoption of generative AI is accelerating so rapidly that parity with men is expected within the next one to two years.
Companies and governments must invest in targeted training programs, workshops, and mentoring to ensure women have equal access to AI skills development. Online courses, bootcamps, and community initiatives can help women transition from disrupted roles to AI-augmented positions.
Tech companies should prioritize data security, transparency, and user control to address the “technology trust gap” that holds some women back from adopting AI tools. Promoting women’s leadership in AI development teams can help reduce bias and create more inclusive technologies.
Tech companies should prioritize data security, transparency, and user control to address the “technology trust gap” that holds some women back from adopting AI tools. Promoting women’s leadership in AI development teams can help reduce bias and create more inclusive technologies.
The AI revolution presents both risks and opportunities for women. While the current gender gap is real and significant, it is narrowing faster than ever before. With focused action on training, trust, and inclusion, women can not only catch up but also lead in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
