Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century, revolutionizing industries from healthcare to entertainment. As AI continues to shape the future of work, one question remains paramount: what role will women play in this evolving landscape? Despite the critical contributions women have made to the tech world, the gender gap in AI, particularly in leadership and technical roles, remains a challenge. This article explores the opportunities and obstacles facing women in AI, the impact of women-led startups, and the steps needed to ensure a more inclusive AI-driven future.
The Current Landscape: Women’s Participation in AI
The involvement of women in AI is both promising and problematic. According to a 2024 Global Gender Gap Report, women represent 42% of the global workforce, but only 31.7% of leadership roles are held by women. While these numbers indicate some progress, they also highlight a significant disparity in senior positions across industries, particularly in the tech sector. This gap has persisted for years, with global hiring rates for women in leadership roles declining from 38% in 2022 to 36% in 2024.
Generative AI (GenAI) has been a focal point for many tech discussions in recent years, and it presents an opportunity to narrow this gap. According to a 2023 Nasscom-Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report, 90% of women in India believe GenAI is crucial for their career progression. However, only 35% feel fully prepared to use these tools. This preparedness gap is more pronounced in non-tech functions, where barriers such as limited knowledge and restricted access to AI technologies hinder women's full participation.
Gender Representation in AI Leadership (2022-2024)
Year | % of Women in Workforce | % of Women in Leadership |
2022 | 42% | 38% |
2023 | 42% | 37% |
2024 | 42% | 36% |
Opportunities in AI: Why Women’s Leadership Matters
The AI landscape, particularly in GenAI, is growing rapidly. The global AI market is projected to reach $320-380 billion by 2027, with an estimated 33% of the market dominated by GenAI technologies. This growth underscores the importance of having diverse teams, especially in leadership positions, to shape the future of AI.
According to Soyoung Lee, Co-Founder of Twelve Labs, "Diversity of perspective and experience is incredibly important. Single perspectives to solve problems are limiting." Diverse leadership teams are not just a matter of representation—they bring crucial perspectives that can identify biases, improve problem-solving, and create more inclusive AI systems.
Women-led AI startups are proving to be key players in bringing diversity to the industry. Krikey, founded by sisters Jhanvi and Ketaki Shriram, is an example of how women leaders are leveraging AI to create user-friendly tools. Their 3D avatar creation platform democratizes animation, allowing a wider range of users to participate in content creation. Such innovations demonstrate how women-led companies are not only making AI accessible but also enhancing creativity and innovation.
Barriers to Women's Full Participation in AI
Despite these opportunities, women still face significant challenges in fully embracing AI and rising to leadership positions. One of the most notable barriers is the preparedness gap. While many women see AI as crucial to their career, fewer feel prepared to use the tools effectively. In India, for example, 80% of women are using GenAI, but senior women in tech trail their male peers by nine percentage points in adoption. This lag is largely due to limited knowledge, fear of competence scrutiny, and a lack of access to mentorship and training.
Moreover, traditional biases and systemic challenges continue to limit women's advancement in AI. Ketaki Shriram, CTO of Krikey, points out that having diverse teams is essential for correcting biases in AI models. Without diverse voices in AI development, there is a risk of embedding existing societal biases into the very systems we rely on for decision-making.
"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."— Sheila Flavell CBE, Chief Operating Officer for FDM Group
The Role of Women-Led Startups in Shaping AI
Women-led startups are not only breaking down barriers but also leading innovations in AI that address both technical and social challenges. These startups are setting new standards in media, entertainment, and AI model development, bringing fresh perspectives to the industry.
At the IBC 2024 Conference, Soyoung Lee and the Shriram sisters emphasized the importance of diversity in AI. Lee’s company, Twelve Labs, has a foundational model that allows efficient searches of unstructured data, significantly reducing the time required to create content from archives. Krikey, on the other hand, has developed a tool that enables users to create talking 3D avatars, thereby lowering the barrier to entry for 3D animation and allowing for broader participation in the creative process.
Key Women-led AI Startups and Their Innovations
Startup | Founders | Key Innovation |
Twelve Labs | Soyoung Lee | Efficient search of unstructured data in media and archives |
Krikey | Jhanvi and Ketaki Shriram | 3D avatar creation for democratizing animation |
Breaking the Cycle: Solutions for a More Inclusive AI Future
Addressing the gender gap in AI requires a multi-faceted approach that involves both policy changes and corporate initiatives. Flexible working policies are one solution that has been shown to benefit women, particularly those who take on more caregiving responsibilities. According to LinkedIn research, women apply for more hybrid and remote roles than men, indicating a strong demand for flexibility in the workplace.
Furthermore, upskilling and reskilling programs are critical for ensuring that women remain competitive in an AI-driven job market. Companies must invest in training programs that not only focus on technical skills but also on the soft skills that are increasingly important in leadership roles. According to LinkedIn, women hold a 28% higher share of soft skills, such as team leadership and strategic collaboration, compared to men. These skills will become even more valuable as AI reshapes the workforce.
Mentorship programs and career pathways in GenAI should also be clearly defined to ensure that women have the guidance and opportunities they need to progress. According to the BCG-Nasscom survey, senior women in India trail their male peers in GenAI adoption due to limited knowledge and access. Addressing this gap through targeted mentorship and training programs can help ensure that women are not left behind as AI continues to evolve.
"Women love tech and are eager to learn and excel in the field. The commitment is evident, with 79% of senior women in tech feeling successful."— Lauren Hine, Chief of UK Marketing & Alliances, AND Digital
Conclusion: The Future of Women in AI
The rise of AI offers unprecedented opportunities for women, but also significant challenges. While women-led startups are leading the way in innovation, the broader industry must address the systemic barriers that continue to limit women's participation in AI leadership roles. Closing the gender gap in AI will not only benefit women but also lead to better, more inclusive technologies.
Policymakers, businesses, and educational institutions all have a role to play in ensuring that women are fully equipped to thrive in an AI-driven future. With targeted efforts in upskilling, mentorship, and flexible working policies, the industry can begin to break the cycle of underrepresentation and build a more equitable future for all.
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