The Gender Gap in AI—And Why It Matters

PART 1: ATHENA AI BLOG SERIES

AI is transforming the workforce—and women risk being left behind. According to Harvard Business School, women are significantly less likely than men to adopt AI at work. This gap could have profound implications for future career growth, particularly in fields like STEM, product design, and leadership.

At Athena’s “AI & the Future of Work” panel, leaders from Qualcomm, Intuit, and TGR Management Consulting reflected on how AI is rapidly evolving roles and decision-making.

“If you’re not learning how to use AI, you risk being led by someone who is,” said one panelist. “That’s the new reality.”

Why Women Are Holding Back:

• Fear of misuse or ethical concerns

• Lack of training or access to technical roles

• Cultural narratives about tech as “male-dominated”

Why It Matters:

• AI is already reshaping job descriptions, hiring practices, and productivity benchmarks.

• Those fluent in its use are being fast-tracked for leadership roles.

The Call to Action:

We don’t need every woman to become a data scientist. But we do need more women at the table shaping how AI is used, applied, and governed. This means:

- Upskilling in AI basics- Advocating for inclusive data sets

- Participating in conversations about responsible AII

n the next post, we’ll explore real-world examples of AI in action—and how women in STEM are redefining leadership through technology.