NewKerala.com

95% of Indian Women Ready to Lead in AI with Right Support: Report

A new report reveals an overwhelming 95% of Indian women are prepared to move into AI-focused roles given proper organizational support. It positions AI as a powerful lever to close the gender gap, noting that while India produces 43% of the world's female STEM graduates, they hold far fewer tech and leadership roles. The survey found AI adoption is accelerating career progression, with 64% of respondents saying it fast-tracked their path to senior positions and 69% reporting it opened new career pathways. The report urges tech leaders to provide structural support through mentorship and upskilling to convert this readiness into reality.

Key Points: 95% Indian Women Ready for AI Roles, Report Finds

  • 95% women ready for AI roles with support
  • AI closes gender gap in tech careers
  • 64% say AI accelerated path to senior roles
  • AI capability is key career differentiator
2 min read

95 pc Indian women ready for AI-focused role: Report

A new report reveals 95% of Indian women would transition to AI-focused roles with support, highlighting AI as a key tool to close the gender gap in tech.

"The intent to lead in AI is present; the next step is providing structural support - ANSR & Talent500 Report"

New Delhi, March 24

Around 95 per cent of women would consider transitioning into an AI-focused role with the right organisational support, a report said on Tuesday.

AI is emerging as the most powerful lever to close the gender gap as India currently produces 43 per cent of the world's female STEM graduates but they hold only 29 per cent of entry‑level tech roles and 14 per cent of C‑suite seats, the report from ANSR and Talent500 said.

The report dismantles the "pipeline myth" by showing "the gap is not talent but the systems around it," adding that AI adoption is accelerating career progression for women in tech.

The survey found 64 per cent of respondents saying AI adoption has accelerated their path to senior roles.

AI capability emerged as a significant career differentiator than tenure or traditional performance metrics, the report noted.

Around 65 per cent of respondents were optimistic about their AI opportunities, with 36 per cent identifying as very optimistic, signalling a workforce eager to lead the next wave of tech transformation, it said.

"The intent to lead in AI is present; the next step is providing structural support through mentorship and accessible upskilling, to convert this readiness into reality," the report urged tech leaders.

Around 69 per cent of women reported that AI has opened new career pathways, indicating strong momentum in AI-enabled career advancement such as product strategy, AI governance, and transformation leadership roles.

The report highlighted that AI enabled women to gain more time to invest in higher-value professional and personal opportunities.

India's GCCs are showing relatively stronger gender representation with women holding approximately 16-17 per cent of the nearly 6,500 total leadership roles. However, there remains a significant gap, with around a 40 per cent drop in representation from entry-level to senior leadership, it added.

The critical differentiator between leaders in the next decade from followers is how actively equity is embedded into their AI transformation, said Smitha Hemmigae, Managing Director, ANSR.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The numbers are telling. 43% female STEM grads but only 14% C-suite seats? That's a massive waste of talent. AI could be the game-changer we need. Hope Indian companies are listening and will create those accessible upskilling paths the report talks about.
A
Ananya R
So true about AI giving more time for higher-value work. In my previous role, automation handled the repetitive tasks and I could finally focus on strategy. More women leading in AI governance and product strategy would bring much-needed diverse perspectives to the tech we build.
D
David E
Interesting data point from a global perspective. The optimism (65%) is higher than what I've seen in some Western markets. India's large STEM graduate pool, including women, could give it a real edge in the global AI race if this potential is harnessed correctly.
S
Siddharth J
While the intent is great, we must be cautious. "Right organisational support" is the crucial phrase. Many companies pay lip service to upskilling but don't provide the time, resources, or clear career paths. The 40% drop from entry to senior leadership shows the systemic issue remains.
K
Kavya N
My company started an AI mentorship program last year and it's been transformative. It's not just about learning to code a model, but understanding how to apply it strategically. More women in these roles will change the face of Indian tech for the better. Let's do this! ✨

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50