95% of Women Open to AI Roles With Right Support, Report Highlights Gender Gap in Tech Leadership
New Delhi, March 24: Around 95 per cent of women are willing to transition into AI-focused roles if provided with the right organisational support, according to a report released on Tuesday, underscoring the growing importance of artificial intelligence in reshaping career pathways.AI Seen as Key to Bridging Gender Gap in Tech
The report by ANSR and Talent500 positions AI as a critical lever to address gender disparity in the technology sector. While India produces 43 per cent of the world’s female STEM graduates, representation remains uneven across the workforce, with women holding only 29 per cent of entry-level tech roles and just 14 per cent of C-suite positions.The findings challenge the long-standing “pipeline myth,” stating that the issue is not a lack of talent but systemic barriers that limit progression.
AI Adoption Accelerating Career Growth
According to the survey, 64 per cent of respondents said that AI adoption has accelerated their journey toward senior roles. The report identifies AI capability as a stronger career differentiator than tenure or traditional performance metrics.Optimism around AI opportunities is also high, with 65 per cent of respondents expressing a positive outlook, including 36 per cent who described themselves as very optimistic.
Expanding Career Pathways Through AI
Nearly 69 per cent of women reported that AI has opened new career opportunities, particularly in areas such as product strategy, AI governance, and transformation leadership. The report also notes that AI is enabling women to free up time for higher-value professional and personal pursuits.Persistent Leadership Gap in GCCs
India’s Global Capability Centres show relatively better gender representation, with women accounting for approximately 16 to 17 per cent of nearly 6,500 leadership roles. However, a significant drop remains, with around a 40 per cent decline in representation from entry-level to senior leadership positions.Call for Structural Support and Upskilling
The report emphasises the need for mentorship and accessible upskilling to convert intent into leadership outcomes. It highlights that the defining factor for organisations in the coming decade will be how effectively they integrate equity into their AI transformation strategies, according to Smitha Hemmigae, Managing Director, ANSR.Disclaimer: Due care and diligence have been taken in compiling and presenting news and market-related content. However, errors or omissions may arise despite such efforts.
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