The adoption gap in AI is part of a larger pattern across many industries, especially those that are tech-driven. While tech tools are reshaping the way we work, the journey to adopting them isn’t the same for everyone – and women often face unique challenges.

One reason behind this gap is perception. AI and tech in general are often viewed as male-dominated fields. This perception can be discouraging, as many women can feel that AI isn’t for them or doubt whether they belong in a space that’s been shaped by stereotypes.

Research from Stanford University suggests that while encouraging women to use tech tools is important, it’s only part of the equation. Many women feel that they lack the typical traits or skills associated with tech roles, which impacts their sense of belonging and professional identity.

This perception barrier can prevent women from engaging with AI, even when they have the same abilities as the men they work with.

Confidence is another factor. Research suggests that women tend to rate their tech skills as lower than men, even when they perform just as well. In one study, men and women completed the same tech task with similar results, yet women reported feeling less confident about their performance.

This lack of confidence can discourage women from actively using AI, as they may feel unsure about how to incorporate new tech into their working days. If you haven’t had a chance to use or learn about AI tools yet, it’s difficult to build the confidence or familiarity needed to integrate any of them into your work – no matter how helpful you know they might be.

The AI adoption gap is real - here's how women can start tapping into the benefits of AI