Bridging the gender gap in AI usage: A path to equity

The transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) is undeniable. Yet, as with many emerging technologies, a gap has emerged in how different groups adopt and benefit from it.

Notably, men have embraced generative AI tools quicker than women. This disparity, while troubling, is not insurmountable. We can create a more equitable future for everyone by addressing underlying barriers and fostering digital literacy.

Understanding the gender gap in AI adoption

A 2024 report from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) highlights a striking divide: while 50% of men in the U.S. reported using generative AI in the past year, only 37% of women said the same.

The reasons for the gender gap in AI usage are multifaceted:

• Knowledge disparities: Many women report less familiarity with generative AI tools, a factor that accounts for nearly two-thirds of the gender divide.
• Trust + risk concerns: Women are more likely to be wary of data privacy and the potential consequences of technology misuse. This hesitancy is rooted in long-standing social conditioning, where women face higher stakes for failure in professional and personal settings.

The potential fallout of the gender gap is significant. According to McKinsey, Generative AI is poised to reshape the labor market, automating nearly 30% of hours worked in the U.S. by 2030. If women remain underrepresented in AI adoption, the technology could exacerbate existing inequalities, including the gender pay gap.

Tackling the barriers to gender equity in AI usage

To address the gender disparity in AI adoption, we must focus on three key areas:

1. Building digital literacy

Education is critical to closing the gender gap in AI usage. Organizations must empower women with the skills and confidence to engage with technology, including AI. Tailored training programs can demystify AI, helping women understand its benefits and practical applications.

• Leverage Electives to bring in experts for live, workplace-focused AI training sessions tailored to the needs of your teams.
• Create a structured learning pathway integrating AI education into ongoing professional development plans.
• Pair training with real-world projects, helping employees apply AI tools in their day-to-day work to build confidence through experience.

2. Creating inclusive work environments

Workplaces prioritizing digital upskilling foster greater AI adoption among employees, especially women. Unfortunately, women AI users are less likely than men to believe their companies actually want them to be using AI. That means promoting usage rules and policies can boost AI adoption.

• Use Electives to host workshops or panels on AI usage led by a diverse group of experts, emphasizing inclusivity in technology.
• Develop internal ambassadors or "AI champions" to encourage adoption and model effective use of tools.
• Set clear expectations around AI usage through policies and communication that reinforce its role as a productivity tool rather than a threat.

3. Redefining societal norms

Risk aversion among women is often tied to societal expectations and conditioning. Addressing societal norms requires cultural shifts, from early education emphasizing tech confidence to reshaping workplace dynamics that penalize failure disproportionately for women.

• Leverage Electives to offer expert-led sessions focused on fostering a culture of innovation and learning, where mistakes are seen as part of growth.
• Highlight and celebrate employees who successfully integrate AI into their roles, showcasing diverse success stories to normalize its usage.
• Include discussions on bias and equity in technology as part of regular learning initiatives to address broader workplace dynamics that may discourage experimentation with AI.

Why inclusion matters

The stakes for achieving gender equity in AI usage are high. As AI becomes integral to work and life, those who embrace it gain significant economic and professional advantages. 

According to a Deloitte report, women are making strides — adoption rates tripled in 2024 compared to the previous year. Still, sustained efforts are needed to ensure women use AI and thrive in its ecosystem.

AI’s potential is vast, but it will only be truly transformative if inclusive. By addressing knowledge gaps, fostering trust and challenging societal norms, generative AI becomes a tool for equity, not division.

The future of AI belongs to everyone. Let’s work to make sure everyone feels empowered to claim it.