A recent report by Nasscom and the Boston Consulting Group reveals that 90 percent of women consider generative AI (GenAI) to be vital for their professional growth, identifying it as a key tool for career development.
However, only 35 percent of these women feel fully prepared to utilise these advanced technologies, with the readiness gap particularly pronounced in non-technical roles.
As generative AI is projected to constitute 33 percent of the global AI landscape by 2027, the overall AI market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25-35 percent, potentially reaching a valuation of $320-380 billion.
The report underscores the strong commitment of women to excel in AI-related fields. Among those surveyed, 95 percent of junior professionals, 96 percent of mid-management, and all senior respondents expressed a willingness to invest additional time in their professional development. Also, 45 percent of women in tech roles reported a significant boost in confidence after mastering AI tools, with one in five women using these tools almost daily.
AI adoption remains at senior levels
Despite these positive trends, significant barriers to AI adoption remain, particularly at senior levels. Limited knowledge, lack of trust, and restricted access to AI tools are cited as key obstacles.
Sheila Flavell CBE, Chief Operating Officer for FDM Group, emphasised the importance of equipping employees with the necessary skills to integrate AI into their roles. “AI development is showing no signs of slowing down, so it’s important that staff equip themselves with the skills and understanding to bring it into their role. AI has the potential to level the playing field in the workplace, closing the gender gap in tech, and those adept in maximising its benefits, while mitigating risks, will be highly sought after to lead AI projects,” she said.
Flavell also called on businesses to recognise AI’s transformative potential, not just for their operations but for their workforce. She advocated for training boot camps and experiential learning opportunities to ensure employees feel confident and capable of harnessing AI technologies in their everyday tasks.
Female AI adoption
The report further highlights the need to address the knowledge gaps hindering GenAI adoption among women. Lauren Hine, Chief for UK Marketing & Alliances and Women in Tech Ambassador for AND Digital, pointed out that as businesses increasingly embrace AI, it is essential to overcome the challenges posed by digital transformation through focused reskilling and upskilling initiatives. “Women love tech and are eager to learn and excel in the field,” Hine noted.
She added that 79 percent of senior women in tech feel successful, according to the AND Digital Rewards & Resilience report. To sustain and elevate this success, businesses must continue to invest in skills training for women, taking a dual approach that combines people development with innovation to ensure women remain empowered and ready to thrive in the evolving industry.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
