Could GenAI be the catalyst for change for women in tech?
A recent study from BCG suggests that the widespread adoption of Generative AI (GenAI) in the workplace is levelling the playing field for women in the technology sector.
According to the study, 68% of women in tech report using GenAI tools more than once a week, compared to 66% of men, indicating that women are not only keeping pace but sometimes surpassing men in GenAI adoption. This trend is particularly pronounced among senior women in tech roles such as engineering, IT, customer support, sales, and marketing.
The findings are part of BCG’s “Women Leaders Are Paving the Way in GenAI” report, which surveyed over 6,500 women and men employees across the UK, US, Germany, India, and Japan. Interestingly, the report suggests that senior women are equally or even more aware of the importance of GenAI in the workplace compared to men.
“The gender gap in technology is an issue that is rightly still front and centre, with the need for continued action apparent,” said Sai Bendi, software development manager, Encompass Corporation.
“There is no doubt that the acceleration and development of new technologies, such as Generative AI, has the potential to act as a catalyst for positive change.
“The possibilities afforded by technology such as AI provide the perfect chance for women to take the mantle when it comes to focusing on their own learning and development to position themselves to play a part in the advancement of critical innovation. Women must believe in themselves and embrace their skills to be at the forefront of the AI revolution.”
Despite the positive strides, the study also uncovered challenges. Senior women in non-technical roles expressed less confidence in their GenAI skills compared to their male counterparts, with junior women exhibiting even lower confidence levels. Maria Barisano, a managing director and partner at BCG, underscored the importance of proactive actions to narrow the gender gap in the tech industry.
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“Businesses, in turn, must show commitment to supporting the development of AI – and wider technology – skills for their employees by investing in training courses and support networks that will enable them to drive forward projects with purpose,” continued Bendi.
“This is essential in order for businesses and individuals to keep pace with a wide array of technological advancements, and will allow those currently within the industry to progress, as well as attract a new generation of talent that can help to influence the overall gender gap.”
Maria Barisano, a managing director and partner at BCG and a co-author of the report added: “Fewer than 30% of middle managers in tech today are women.”
“GenAI presents a unique opportunity to narrow the gender gap in the tech industry, but it requires proactive actions from both companies and the women employed by them.”
