Women face hurdles in reaching senior AI roles - How can this change?

Women have traversed a remarkable journey, moving from managing households to leading in offices today. This transformation isn't just the result of women's efforts alone but also the support and opportunities provided by those committed to equality in education and professional tools. 

Speaking of tools, with the evolving times, advancements like Generative AI have become indispensable office companions, adept at handling routine tasks.

Interestingly, the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) is witnessing a significant rise in female representation. Since 2016, the number of women in AI roles has surged by an impressive 171%. However, women still constitute a minority in this field and are underrepresented in senior positions.

A survey conducted by Microsoft and LinkedIn highlights that the proportion of women hired for leadership roles in AI has grown from 34% in 2016 to 41% in 2024, with Australia leading in this aspect compared to the US, UK, and France.

Despite these gains, the journey to gender parity remains challenging. Currently, women comprise only 27% of AI technology creators, marking a modest 3.5% increase since 2016. The disparity is more pronounced at higher levels, with women holding 39% of managerial roles, 36% of directorships, and a mere 23% of vice-president positions.

Addressing this imbalance demands systemic changes, including skills-based recruitment strategies, inclusive hiring practices, mentorship programs, and equitable AI training. These efforts are crucial for fostering a fair and balanced workplace environment.

Matt Tindale, LinkedIn's Australia and New Zealand country manager, underscores the importance of gender-sensitive approaches in AI upskilling initiatives. He emphasises that as generative AI reshapes the job market, employers must ensure fairness in skill development to build a future workforce that is inclusive and equitable.

The urgency to resolve these disparities is underscored by the widespread adoption of AI tools among knowledge workers in Australia, where over 80% use AI technologies. Additionally, the number of professionals showcasing AI skills on LinkedIn has soared since 2023.

In a survey, nearly 70% of leaders expressed their preference for hiring candidates with AI proficiency, even if they are less experienced, highlighting the growing significance of AI skills in today's competitive job market.