Coursera, a leading online learning platform, has launched the ‘Closing the Gender Gap in GenAI Skills’ playbook, a comprehensive resource designed to address gender disparities in Generative AI (GenAI) education and workforce participation. The playbook outlines actionable strategies to empower women in AI, reinforcing the need for a more inclusive and equitable technology landscape.
Women in GenAI: Progress and Challenges
Currently, women make up 32% of global GenAI enrollments on Coursera. In the UAE, female participation in GenAI courses stands at 23.8%, reflecting ongoing efforts to boost women's presence in STEM fields but also highlighting the existing gap. Despite an increasing number of women (56%) graduating in STEM fields from government universities in the UAE, female representation in leadership remains limited, with just 11% of board positions held by women.
Interest in AI skills is growing, with the UAE witnessing an over 900% increase in GenAI course enrollments in 2024. However, translating educational achievements into leadership opportunities remains a challenge, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to drive gender inclusivity in AI careers.
Key Barriers to Women’s Participation in GenAI
Coursera’s playbook identifies three major challenges hindering women’s engagement in GenAI:
- Confidence Gaps Reduce Persistence
- Women often hesitate to engage in GenAI learning due to self-doubt, despite having the necessary skills.
- They are six times more likely than men to enroll in beginner-level courses instead of intermediate ones.
- Structured and accessible entry points are crucial to increasing confidence and course completion rates.
- Limited Time and Lack of Clear Learning Paths
- Many women cite a lack of time as their primary reason for discontinuing STEM courses, often due to caregiving and work responsibilities.
- Unclear AI career pathways and the absence of defined employer policies discourage women from upskilling.
- Perceived Lack of Career Relevance
- Only 36% of women believe GenAI skills will advance their careers, compared to 45% of men.
- Women are more likely to engage when GenAI applications are demonstrated in healthcare, education, and creative industries.
- Real-world case studies and interdisciplinary courses improve participation and completion rates.
Driving Inclusion in the UAE’s AI Future
Dr. Alexandra Urban, Learning Science Research Lead at Coursera, emphasized the importance of gender inclusivity in AI:
“The UAE’s commitment to bridging the gender gap in technology is commendable. A diverse and inclusive tech workforce is essential for innovation, especially in AI. While progress is evident, expanding opportunities for women in GenAI and equipping them with critical skills remains an urgent priority.”
As part of the UAE’s National Strategy for AI 2031, which prioritizes women’s participation in AI, initiatives like Coursera’s playbook play a crucial role in ensuring gender balance in AI and enhancing the UAE’s leadership in digital transformation.
News Source: BCW Global
