Women Eager to Embrace Generative AI Tools Despite Underrepresentation in AI

Women have faced long-standing underrepresentation in the tech industry, a trend that extends to artificial intelligence (AI). However, this disparity does not reflect their enthusiasm for technology or their willingness to adopt generative AI tools.

A recent survey by Women Go Tech reveals that 68% of female respondents have engaged with at least one AI tool, with ChatGPT emerging as their top choice. Additionally, 61% expressed a desire to expand their knowledge of AI tools and applications.

Despite this interest, women often face barriers that hinder their deeper engagement with AI. The survey highlights that insecurities rooted in entrenched biases, concerns about data privacy, and ethical issues contribute to this hesitation.

“Women are generally very interested in AI and its potential applications but often hesitate to engage deeply with AI tools,” notes the Women Go Tech report. “The technical nature of AI and prevailing gender stereotypes may lead many women to feel less confident about their ability to effectively use and understand AI tools. This lack of confidence is a significant barrier that prevents them from fully engaging with the technology.”

Persistent Discrimination and Bias

Supported by Google.org and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the survey surveyed 5,400 participants across 13 European countries. Respondents were categorized into four groups: those interested in tech careers (31%), those not interested in tech careers (30%), those with over two years in tech (27%), and those with less than two years in tech (12%).

Among aspiring technologists, 77% showed interest in AI, while 64.6% of newcomers and 63.9% of seasoned professionals expressed a desire to learn more about AI. Beyond ChatGPT, respondents explored tools such as OpenAI Codex, Bard/Gemini, and GPT-4, primarily using them for translation, navigation, and information retrieval.

However, a quarter of the respondents from both novice and experienced groups felt uncomfortable with their technical skills. The report emphasizes that low confidence, lack of encouragement, and limited access to education contribute to this discomfort.

Women frequently underestimate their abilities due to pervasive stereotypes and societal expectations, which exacerbate the gender gap and perpetuate bias. Many also grapple with “imposter syndrome,” where they doubt their legitimacy despite possessing the necessary skills and qualifications.

“We have amazing female engineers and mathematicians,” says Ana Prică-Cruceanu, Chief SDG Strategy Officer -AFIST, Women4Ethical AI at UNESCO. “We need to highlight these role models and combat the Matilda effect, where the achievements of female scientists are credited to men. It’s crucial to show that one can start a career in tech at any age.”

Discrimination remains a concern, with 28% of respondents reporting personal experiences and 32% fearing future discrimination. Despite this, 46.5% of respondents strongly believe that AI technologies are designed with diverse user perspectives in mind, though experts argue that women remain significantly underrepresented in AI development, leading to potential bias and exclusion.

The Need for Clear AI Policies and Support

Many organizations are quick to adopt AI tools but lack clear policies guiding their use. The survey reveals that 30% of respondents were unsure of their employer’s AI policies, and only 8% received specific guidance on AI usage at work. Employers with well-defined AI policies saw higher usage rates (69.4%) compared to those with vague or absent policies (64.1%).

Barriers to AI adoption include a lack of understanding of the technology and concerns over data privacy and ethics. The report urges companies to ensure that AI policies are clear and accessible to all employees. It recommends providing straightforward learning materials, establishing support networks, and emphasizing how AI can enhance rather than replace human interactions.

To foster a deeper engagement with AI, employers should present AI as a “career enhancer” and offer tailored learning paths, including hands-on projects and certifications. Advanced users could be encouraged to mentor others, lead workshops, or present at conferences. Specialized courses in areas like machine learning and robotics, along with participation in hackathons, can further develop skills and showcase talents.

The report concludes: “By implementing clear frameworks and providing robust support, employers can effectively encourage women to engage more deeply with AI technologies, boosting their skills and confidence in utilizing these tools professionally.”