Most women in tech feel GenAI can help them grow in their careers but don't know how to use it, Nasscom-BCG reports

• 90 percent women think GenAI can help them grow in their careers
• However, most don't know how to use GenAI to their advantage
• Women are also willing to put in more efforts to be successful

When generative AI chatbot ChatGPT was introduced to the world on a large scale by OpenAI in November 2022, it was taking the internet by storm. People were using it to write code, compose poetry, write content and whatnot. Soon, tools like ChatGPT became a part of many working professionals' lives. Over the last few months, there have been many reports highlighting how AI is turning out to be a part of workplaces. Now, a recent report says that women in the tech industry see generative AI as a crucial step towards their career growth. However, there is a major challenge being encountered- they aren't trained enough to use GenAI tools.

90 percent women feel GenAI is a step towards career growth

A new report by Nasscom and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has revealed that while 90% of women in India's tech industry view Generative AI (GenAI) as crucial for career growth, only one-third feel adequately prepared to use these technologies. Hence, even though women view GenAI as a crucial step in their professional journey, most of them still aren't confident using it.

The report, titled "GenAI: The Diversity Game Changer We Can't Ignore," was unveiled at the nasscom Global Inclusion Summit in Bengaluru on August 8, 2024.

The report highlights that women in both tech and non-tech roles exhibit high levels of professional ambition and are willing to put in extra effort to achieve success. This ambition is particularly pronounced in the AI/GenAI field, where women see mentorship as a key factor in their success. Currently, women make up 36% of India’s tech workforce but remain underrepresented in executive roles.

GenAI, which involves advanced AI tools that can create new content, designs, and solutions, is seen as a game-changer for the tech industry. As GenAI is expected to dominate 33% of the global AI landscape by 2027, the market is projected to reach $320-380 billion. This rapid growth presents a unique opportunity for fostering gender diversity by helping women overcome traditional barriers and excel in their careers.

The report reveals that women are ready to invest more time to achieve professional success in GenAI. According to the survey findings, 95% of junior, 96% of mid-management, and 100% of senior management women are prepared to put in extra effort. Women also view GenAI tools as a significant boost to their perceived competence, with 45% of women in tech roles feeling more confident compared to their non-tech peers.

Challenges in GenAI adoption

Despite the enthusiasm, many women at senior management levels face challenges in adopting GenAI tools. These challenges include limited knowledge, lack of trust, restricted access to these tools, and fear of competence scrutiny. Knowledge gaps are the primary barrier, cited by women across all levels from entry roles to the C-suite.

Sangeeta Gupta, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at nasscom, talked about the importance of addressing these challenges: “Despite significant progress in diversity and AI/GenAI adoption, substantial gaps still limit women's full potential in the tech industry. With GenAI set to dominate the tech industry, it is critical to address key challenges such as knowledge gaps and lack of support, to empower women, particularly in these roles.”

Meanwhile, Sreyssha George, Managing Director and Partner, Boston Consulting Group said, "Globally, senior women lead in GenAI adoption, yet India lags with a 64% gender disparity in AI leadership. To capture the USD 320 billion AI market, India’s tech sector needs diversity. This will ensure effective systems by eliminating biases and incorporating varying ethical perspectives. Let's seize this significant opportunity to rectify the gender imbalance in the tech industry."



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