Online learning platform Coursera has released the ‘Closing the Gender Gap in Gen AI Skills’ playbook, a new resource aimed at addressing the gender gap in generative AI (Gen AI) skills. The playbook explores actionable strategies to empower more women to harness Gen AI, highlighting the critical need for continued efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable AI landscape.
Women currently represent 32 per cent of global GenAI enrollments on Coursera. In the UAE, they make up 23.8 per cent of Gen AI learners — a figure that, while reflecting ongoing efforts to increase female participation in STEM, also underscores the gender gap that still exists in Gen AI.
While AI education in the UAE continues to expand rapidly, the need for targeted strategies to ensure equitable access to Gen AI opportunities remains.
Amid this disparity, interest in AI skills continues to rise. In 2024, the UAE saw over 900 per cent increase in enrollments for Gen AI courses. Women also account for 56 per cent of government university graduates in STEM fields.
However, despite these advancements, female representation in leadership remains limited, with nearly 11 per cent of board positions held by women. This highlights the challenge of translating educational progress into greater professional advancement and reinforces the need for further action to drive gender inclusivity in technology leadership and beyond.
Dr. Alexandra Urban, Learning Science Research Lead at Coursera, said, “The UAE’s commitment to bridging the gender gap in technology is commendable. A diverse and inclusive tech workforce is essential for driving innovation, especially in traditionally male-dominated fields like AI.
While progress is evident, expanding opportunities for women in GenAI, equipping them with critical skills, and empowering them to lead in the digital economy remains an urgent priority.”
The playbook recognises the systemic barriers to women’s participation in GenAI and identifies key challenges that must be addressed, including:
- Confidence gaps reduce persistence: Self-efficacy plays a crucial role in learning outcomes. Women often hesitate to engage in GenAI courses due to a lack of confidence, even when they possess the necessary skills. On Coursera, women are six times more likely to enroll in beginner-level Gen AI courses than intermediate ones, indicating a preference for structured, accessible entry points.
- Limited time and unclear guidelines hinder skill adoption: Many women cite “lack of time” as their top reason for discontinuing STEM courses, reflecting the reality of balancing caregiving and work responsibilities. Additionally, uncertainty around how AI and Gen AI applies to careers can lead to hesitation. The absence of clear learning pathways and employer AI policies only exacerbates the issue.
- Perceived lack of relevance: Only 36 per cent of women believe Gen AI can advance their careers, compared to 45 per cent of men. This perception gap discourages upskilling. Women are more likely to engage when GenAI is framed through practical applications in healthcare, education, or creative industries. Real-world case studies and interdisciplinary Gen AI courses have proven effective in increasing participation and completion rates.
As the UAE ranks among the top 10 countries in AI companies per capita, increasing female participation in Gen AI will be key to advancing the nation’s AI and digital transformation ambitions.
