AI’s Impact on Women’s Careers in Tech: Opportunities and Risks

AI is paving new pathways for women in the tech industry, simultaneously presenting both promise and peril. As more companies embrace automation and generative AI, women are seizing advancement opportunities, yet they also find themselves at heightened risk of job displacement. Reports from Ensono and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) highlight the contradictory effects of AI on women’s careers.

According to Ensono’s findings, women in tech are increasingly leveraging AI to propel their careers forward. A staggering 89% of survey respondents believe their AI skills have facilitated career progression. Moreover, the number of women identifying as AI experts has doubled within just one year, indicating a significant increase in proficiency in this critical field.

Generative AI Skills: Climbing the Corporate Ladder

Generative AI is a noticeable driver of career growth for women. Overwhelmingly, women report that their skills in AI have empowered them to ascend the corporate ladder. This positive trend, however, is juxtaposed with concerning statistics from the LSE that suggest a worrying trend in job security.

The LSE has found that women are more likely to be displaced by AI than their male counterparts, particularly in roles traditionally filled by women, such as administrative and customer service positions. In the U.S., 79% of employed women are in jobs with a high risk of automation, compared to 58% of men, raising serious questions about workforce inequality.

The Complex Landscape of AI Learning

While women are indeed enhancing their AI skills, they still face significant barriers. Data from the World Economic Forum shows that women account for only 22% of positions in AI and 28% of the global STEM workforce. This gap underscores the limited access women have to the most sought-after and lucrative roles in technology.

Even as they master technical skills, systemic barriers prevent many women from breaking into positions that influence automation’s trajectory, leaving those without suitable credentials vulnerable to economic displacement.

The Wider Implications of the AI Gender Gap

The issue of job security related to AI extends beyond women, impacting the broader workforce. As job creation becomes uneven, it exacerbates economic inequality and fosters an unstable employment landscape. To combat this, companies must focus on equitable hiring practices and create initiatives that expand access to STEM education and careers in AI.

In conclusion, the emerging landscape shaped by AI provides both opportunities for women’s advancement and challenges that threaten their job stability. As these dynamics evolve, it will be essential for industry stakeholders to ensure that progress is not limited to a select few but is broadened to include all potential talent in the workforce.