90% of Women See AI as Key to Career Growth, However Only 35% Feel Prepared to Use It

90 per cent of women view generative AI as essential for their professional growth and view GenAI tools as critical for career development, according to a Nasscom-Boston Consulting Group report.

However, just 35 per cent of women feel fully prepared to use these tools, with the readiness gap widening further in non-tech roles.

As gen AI is expected to account for 33 per cent of the global AI landscape by 2027, the AI market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 25-35 per cent, reaching $320-380 billion.

The report indicates that women are highly committed to succeeding in both AI and Generative AI, with 95 per cent of juniors, 96 per cent of mid-management and 100% of senior respondents willing to invest extra time for professional growth.

45 per cent of women in tech roles report increased confidence after mastering AI tools, with one in five women using these tools almost faily.

However, barriers of limited knowledge, lack of trust and restricted access hinder adoption, particularly at senior levels.

Sheila Flavell CBE, Chief Operating Officer for FDM Group, commented: "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."
 
Businesses should recognise the transformative potential that AI can have, not only for their business but for their people, and provide training boot camps to support staff. As part of this, businesses should implement experiential learning into their training, giving staff hands-on experience with the AI technologies they'll be using in their day-to-day to ensure they feel comfortable and confident to make AI work for them."
 

The report highlights the need to address these challenges, including knowledge gaps to increase gen AI adoption among women.

Lauren Hine, Chief for UK Marketing & Alliances and Women in Tech Ambassador for AND Digital commented: "As businesses continue to embrace AI, it is set to dominate the tech industry, but it is essential to tackle the challenges of digital transformation through focused reskilling and upskilling initiatives. Women love tech and are eager to learn and excel in the field.

The commitment is evident, with 79 per cent of senior women in tech feeling successful, according to the AND Digital Rewards & Resilience report. To maintain and even elevate this success, businesses must continue to invest in skills training for women, taking a people AND innovation approach, ensuring they remain empowered and ready to thrive in the evolving industry."