By Newsroom Staff
LISLE, Ill. – October 7, 2024 – Despite significant positive momentum over the past century, women across all business sectors continue to face several gender-based challenges, often preventing them from reaching their upmost potential and earnings in the modern workplace. DeVry University's recent report, Closing the Gap: Upskilling and Reskilling in an AI Era, reveals how gender gaps could deepen amid the emergence of AI and its continually evolving effects on the economy and labor market.
Notably, the research found several gender disparities related to upskilling and reskilling participation, knowledge about AI, and views about the technology's ability to impact career progression. These findings indicate how there is a crucial need to equip women with the opportunities, flexibility and awareness required to advance as AI transforms the way we work.
Differing Views on AI's Impact
According to DeVry's research, men are over 50% more likely than women to report that AI will open more career opportunities for them. They are also more likely to see the technology as being a helpful tool to augment their work, which could mean that women are not as bought into the concept of AI and its role in the workplace.
"The survey findings present a real risk for women in terms of their career advancement," said Veronica Calderon, chief belonging and university relations officer at DeVry University. "Without women being aware of the doors AI skills could open, they could miss out on future talent and leadership opportunities, which would only enable existing, systemic gender barriers inside and outside of the workplace."
Employers have an important role to play in shifting perceptions about AI. Companies can regularly teach their female workers about the value AI can offer, including how effective training can empower them to achieve career aspirations. In addition, complex technologies like AI can be daunting for any working professional. Organizations can help combat reluctancy by creating an approachable environment for using the technology via targeted skills courses that integrate practical applications.
According to Calderon, there is also an opportunity for employers to activate authentic networking and mentorship opportunities for female talent. Such opportunities can help prepare and propel women for future career success.
"Having the right support networks in place can help women overcome barriers and use education as their competitive advance to chart their path forward," she noted.
Gaps in AI Understanding and Training Utilization
The research also showed how men report having a greater understanding of AI compared to women, with 82% of men saying they fully understand what AI means, compared to only 68% of women. Similarly, men perceive their AI proficiency to be higher, with 55% of men considering their AI skills to be intermediate or higher, but only 41% of women report feeling the same.
"The skill and knowledge gaps we're seeing could be driven by the lack of awareness women have about how AI skills can positively impact their career mobility," Calderon noted. "However, there are also gender-based challenges related to professional development access and participation that employers should proactively and swiftly address."
The data unveiled how women are less likely to report they have access to and use their company's training resources - signaling a call for employers to not only offer inclusive upskilling programs, but to also meet women where they are for increased engagement in upskilling and reskilling programming.
Flexible Skills Development Solutions
Offering flexible solutions to engage women in tech-focused training opportunities is essential, especially as many manage several current career obstacles, such as in-office working requirements. Flexibility can empower women to succeed in their pursuit for learning while simultaneously elevating their AI knowledge. Additionally, companies that offer a variety of learning formats will help motivate women to accommodate upskilling or reskilling amid other personal and professional responsibilities.
"Women must be part of driving, influencing and leading the future AI-focused workplace," said Calderon. "Businesses need to make an intentional effort to remove barriers and raise awareness about why learning and embracing AI skills is important for professional progression. This requires an environment that's supportive, flexible and inclusive."
Through its Women+Tech Scholars Program, DeVry University is actively working to increase representation of women in the technology industry - providing tools and resources specifically designed to support women as they pursue careers in tech. Click here to learn more.
