AI is everywhere, and it’s changing the way industries work. But when it comes to who’s using it, there’s still a noticeable gender gap. While more men are jumping on the AI bandwagon, women are lagging behind. The thing is, women who embrace AI are seeing some serious career benefits—whether it’s a boost in productivity, access to more leadership opportunities, or just feeling more confident in their work.

Let’s dive into why AI is important for women’s careers and how to bridge the gap.

The Current State of AI Adoption Among Women

Right now, men are more likely to use AI tools than women. In fact, across the globe, women are lagging behind when it comes to embracing this technology. However, there are signs of progress, and the gender gap in AI adoption is starting to narrow.

Let’s see the awareness and adoption across different regions: 

United States of America:
In the United States, 33% of women reported using or experimenting with generative AI in 2024, compared to 44% of men. Experts predict that by 2025, women will be using AI at the same rate as their male counterparts.

United Kingdom:
Over in the United Kingdom, women are adopting generative AI at a slower pace. A 2024 Deloitte survey found that only 28% of women use AI, while 43% of men are on board with it.

Europe:
Meanwhile, in the European Union, women represent 26.3% of the AI workforce, and while the adoption rate is growing, they still face significant hurdles in accessing and thriving in AI-related roles.

India:
On a more positive note, India is seeing a massive shift. As of 2025, 66% of women in India feel equipped to use AI in their work, a huge leap from just 40% last year. This reflects the growing AI awareness and confidence among Indian women, fueled by education programs and increased access to tech skills.

As you can see, while AI adoption is growing across the world, women’s participation is still limited in many areas. The gap is narrowing in some regions, but significant work remains to ensure that women worldwide can fully leverage AI to enhance their careers.

How AI Drives Career Growth for Women

So, why does AI adoption matter? For starters, learning AI opens doors. Women who upskill and embrace AI can tap into opportunities in tech and beyond. It’s not about replacing jobs; it’s about enhancing skills to stand out in a competitive job market.

Plus, AI adoption helps women feel more confident in their roles. Think about it, using AI tools to boost productivity and simplify tasks gives women the space to shine. When women feel more confident, they’re more likely to be noticed. And when they’re noticed, career advancement follows.

Challenges Women Face in Adopting AI

While the benefits of AI are clear, there are significant barriers women face in adopting the technology.

First up, there’s the issue of underrepresentation. According to this AI and equity report by Randstad, women account for 29% of the AI workforce, whereas 71% of AI-skilled workers are men. This lack of representation limits the opportunities many women have to gain the skills and experience needed to thrive in AI-driven roles.

Then there’s bias in AI systems. AI tools are built by people, and often, they reflect the biases of their creators. Between 1988 and 2021, research found that 44% of AI systems displayed gender bias, while 25% exhibited both gender and racial biases, creating significant barriers for women in AI-driven environments.

On top of that, there’s a real concern around job displacement. There are numerous sectors, such as customer service, manufacturing, transportation, and data entry, where AI automation poses a significant threat and is increasingly taking over routine tasks. This puts women at higher risk of job loss if they don’t adapt.

How Women Can Leverage AI for Career Growth

So, how can women start using AI to level up their careers?

Start Learning AI: There’s no better time than now to start learning. While online courses, boot camps, and mentorship programs are great, self-guided learning can be just as powerful. You can explore AI tools, read books, and dive into free resources to learn at your own pace. Whether it’s playing around with chatbots, diving into data analytics, or using automation tools, AI is a skill anyone can pick up on their own terms.

AI for Empowerment: Women often juggle a lot of responsibilities at work. AI can help lighten the load. By automating repetitive tasks, streamlining workflows, and even making smarter decisions, AI empowers women to work smarter, not harder. With more free time, women can focus on strategic, high-impact tasks that push their careers forward.

Advocating for Inclusive AI: For AI to be truly transformative, it needs diverse voices involved in its development. Women should advocate for inclusive AI, pushing for systems that are neutral and free from bias. After all, we can’t expect AI to work for everyone if it’s built with a narrow perspective in mind.

How to Encourage More Women to Adopt AI

Encouraging women to get involved in AI isn’t just about providing resources; it’s about creating a supportive environment.

Mentorship and Networking: There’s power in connection. Having a mentor who’s been there, done that, can make all the difference. Fortunately, there are growing networks designed to connect women with experienced mentors in AI. These networks can offer guidance, career advice, and help women build confidence.

Support from Employers: Companies also play a big role in closing the gender gap. Employers need to provide AI training programs and mentorship that support gender diversity in tech. It’s not enough to expect women to learn AI on their own, it’s important to build systems that encourage them to succeed.

Taking the First Step: Getting started with AI doesn’t have to be intimidating. Whether it’s through online tutorials, attending AI-focused boot camps, or simply joining local tech meetups, the key is to take that first step. Once women get started and stay curious, they’ll see the endless possibilities AI can unlock.

Conclusion

Somewhere, right now, a woman is discovering her first AI tool. Somewhere else, another is leading a team, using AI to make decisions that will shape the future. And in every corner of the world, women are quietly—yet powerfully—shaping the tech of tomorrow, whether by embracing new skills, innovating, or leading change.

This is the moment where AI stops being an abstract concept and becomes the catalyst for real career growth. It’s not waiting for anyone—it’s here, for those who are ready to learn, experiment, and push forward. The future isn’t about technology; it’s about who’s going to take it and run with it.

If you’re reading this, you have the same opportunity. It’s time to stop wondering “what if” and start making it happen. The tools are in your hands, and with them, you have the power to change your career, your field, and even the world around you. Somewhere, someone is already doing it. Why not you?