Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, from automating mundane tasks to solving complex problems. It’s an exciting time for anyone in the workforce—regardless of gender. But there’s an important conversation to have: As AI becomes a critical tool across industries, are women fully engaging with it?

This isn’t about scaremongering or suggesting that women are “falling behind,” but rather about encouraging a shift in perspective. AI is a powerful tool that can help women excel in their careers, improve efficiency, and solve problems in innovative ways. But for that to happen, it’s essential to reframe our thinking around AI—seeing it not as something intimidating, but as a valuable ally in our work.

The Gender Gap in AI: An Opportunity for Change

Women have historically been underrepresented in the tech sector, and AI is no exception. In fact, studies have shown that women are less likely than men to enter fields related to AI and machine learning. A report by the World Economic Forum notes that while AI is expected to create millions of new jobs in the coming years, women are at risk of missing out on many of these opportunities due to the current gender imbalance in the tech industry.

Reframing AI: A Tool for Everyone

For many women, there can be an initial hesitation when it comes to AI. This might be due to the perception that it is complex, technical, or reserved for data scientists and engineers. But the truth is, AI is a tool that can benefit anyone, no matter their role or industry.

I’ll be honest—when I first thought about AI and tech, I often assumed it wasn’t for me. Words like “tech” or “digital” seemed reserved for others, typically those “techy” people. But when I really thought about it, I realised I was already using technology in many ways: I use tools like ChatGPT, explore platforms like NoteLM, create videos for YouTube and TikTok, and enjoy designing on software like Canva. These are all forms of digital tools and technology that I use every day—yet I had been talking myself out of engaging more deeply with the world of AI simply because I thought it wasn’t “for me.”

When we start to view AI not as a high-tech challenge, but as a tool for improving our work—whether that’s by automating repetitive tasks, improving decision-making, or enhancing creativity—it becomes much more accessible. The key is to start seeing AI as something that can work for us, rather than something that’s outside our grasp.

A Personal Insight: Recognising the Opportunity for Women

Recently, I attended a conference where AI was a talking point but both speakers were male. Their insights were valuable, but afterwards I couldn’t help but consider why there were no female speakers on this topic. At first, I thought it might be a coincidence. However, over the weekend, I came across a woman online who was starting a business to help other women leverage AI in their careers.She had seen the gap and was working to close it by providing women with the tools and support they need to use AI effectively in their work.

This helped me understand that women aren’t being left behind by AI because they’re “not capable”—it’s more about ensuring that women could learn, grow, and participate in the AI-driven future.

AI’s Potential for Women: A Level Playing Field

By automating routine tasks, AI can also free up time for women to focus on strategic, high-impact work—whether it’s innovating new solutions, leading teams, or advocating for change in their industries. In short, AI can empower women to take on more leadership roles, enhance their productivity, and advance their careers.

As a leader, I am committed to ensuring that AI is something we’re discussing openly and actively as a team. I want to create an environment where all voices are part of the conversation on how we can leverage AI to drive innovation, productivity, and inclusivity in our work. Together, we can make sure that AI is a tool that works for everyone and that no one is left behind.

Taking Action: Empowering Women with AI

So, how can women begin to embrace AI in their own work? It starts by seeing it as an opportunity—one that can enhance our capabilities, open doors for new career paths, and help us solve problems in creative ways. Whether through online courses, attending workshops, or seeking mentorship in AI-related fields, there are many ways to get started.

The most important thing is to take that first step—to view AI as a tool that can work for us, rather than something to be intimidated by. As women continue to engage with AI, we can also help drive the conversation forward, ensuring that the technology reflects our diverse perspectives and needs.

Sources:

1. World Economic Forum, “Why Women Are Lagging in the AI Revolution”
2. National Center for Women & Information Technology, “Gender Disparities in Technology and AI”