Artificial intelligence is transforming the world of work and everyday life—but women are experiencing its impact differently. Recent reports show two contrasting realities: women adopt AI tools less frequently than men, yet their jobs are more at risk of automation. This paradox raises urgent questions about equity, inclusion, and how to prepare women for the AI-driven future.

Globally, women are less confident in using AI, more concerned about bias and misinformation, and often underrepresented in the industries building these technologies. At the same time, the jobs women dominate—administrative support, customer service, and back-office outsourcing—are among the most susceptible to automation. For regions like Africa, where women form a large part of the informal workforce, the risks and opportunities are magnified.

This article explores the state of women and AI adoption, why it matters for businesses and society, and what steps can close the gender AI divide.

Survey Findings: Adoption Gaps and Risks

1. Lower adoption rates: A Deloitte study found that for every 100 men using generative AI tools, only about 78 women do. Barriers include confidence, awareness, and lack of training.
   
2. Trust issues: Women express more concern about AI bias, data misuse, and misinformation. Trust gaps discourage adoption, even when tools are available.
   
3. Greater job risk: According to a UN report, 28% of women’s jobs are at risk from AI automation, compared to 21% of men’s. This is because women are overrepresented in clerical and repetitive roles.
   
4. African context: In outsourcing hubs like Kenya and South Africa, studies show women are more likely to lose back-office tasks to AI than men.
   

Business & Social Impact

For companies, these gaps present both risks and opportunities:

• Workforce imbalance: If fewer women adopt AI tools, organizations risk widening gender gaps in productivity and career growth.
  
• Lost innovation: Diverse perspectives are essential to building fair AI systems. Underrepresentation of women in AI development can perpetuate bias.
  
• Consumer trust: Women are key decision-makers in households and consumer markets. Businesses must ensure AI-enabled products reflect their needs and earn their trust.
  
• Corporate responsibility: Companies must recognize that aggressive AI automation can disproportionately affect female employees and take steps to mitigate impacts.
  

Global Implications

The gender divide in AI adoption is not just a women’s issue—it’s a global economic concern:

• Talent shortage: AI is driving demand for digital skills. Excluding women from upskilling opportunities exacerbates the talent gap.
  
• Equity and fairness: Bias in AI outputs can reinforce gender stereotypes, harming women as both users and workers.
  
• Policy urgency: Governments worldwide are being urged to integrate gender equality into AI strategies, ensuring inclusive access and reskilling programs.
  

AI in Africa

Africa offers a unique case study:

• Opportunities: Women entrepreneurs are using AI for e-commerce, agriculture, and education. Low-cost AI tools can empower women-led SMEs.
  
• Challenges: Limited access to digital devices and training keeps many women behind. High data costs and connectivity gaps worsen exclusion.
  
• Risk of widening inequality: If men adopt AI faster than women, existing inequalities in income and opportunity may grow.
  
• Policy solutions: African governments and NGOs can address this through digital literacy programs, subsidies for women-led businesses, and inclusive AI policies.
  

Why You Should Care

• If you’re a woman professional: Understanding AI is not optional. Adopting tools can boost productivity, career advancement, and resilience.
  
• If you’re a business leader: Ignoring the gender divide risks losing half the talent pool. Proactive strategies to include women in AI adoption will enhance diversity and innovation.
  
• If you’re a policymaker: Failing to address gender gaps in AI could undermine economic growth, particularly in regions like Africa where women form a critical part of the workforce.
  

Women and AI present a paradox: lower adoption rates, but higher risks. Bridging this gap requires urgent action—through education, inclusive design, responsible business practices, and supportive policy frameworks. Empowering women to adopt AI confidently and safely is not only a matter of fairness but also a strategic necessity for businesses and economies worldwide.

At Find AI For That, we’re committed to making AI accessible and equitable. Follow us for deep dives on AI adoption, curated tools, and strategies designed to help both individuals and businesses thrive in the AI age. Visit findaiforthat.com to explore resources tailored for women and underrepresented groups.