Women comprise a significant portion of India’s tech workforce, yet they remain underrepresented in executive roles, with a significant gender gap in AI leadership compared to global counterparts, a recent report claims.

According to a report by Nasscom and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), increasing women’s participation in the workforce is crucial for fostering ethical AI outcomes as the adoption of generative AI grows.

The gender gap in tech workforce and how AI can bridge it

90% of women see GenAI as crucial for career growth, however, they lack the readiness to use these tools as only 35% feel prepared/equipped to use the technology.

Female representation in tech in India reduces from 43% at entry levels to 4-8% at executive levels, which is well below the global average of 14%.

Adoption of GenAI among Indian professionals is high at 80%, while mid and junior-level women are already using GenAI. Meanwhile, Male professionals in AI/GenAI are approximately 46% higher than female professionals in India.

65% of both women and men in India believe that GenAI will act as an equaliser for women’s inclusion in tech. GenAI could help bridge the gender gap by creating new opportunities, enhancing accessibility, and reducing biases that have traditionally hindered women’s progress in tech, the report adds.

72% of women highlighted using Gen AI for improving efficiency and time management, while 51% of women said they use Gen AI for fostering innovation and creativity.

Limited knowledge, lack of trust, restricted access and fear of competence scrutiny are the perceived barriers to accelerating adoption, the report noted.

The report adds that the global AI market is expected to reach $320-380 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 25-35%, with GenAI poised to dominate 33% of this landscape.