Bridging the Gender Divide in AI: Ensuring Data Safety, Security and Equal Opportunity

Iris Flex™'s AI Gap Study, conducted with TestSet, underscores the gender dynamics at play. The study reveals that U.S. adults and employees are more likely to use AI tools for personal purposes than for professional ones. However, men are far ahead of women in both their adoption of AI at work and their enthusiasm for AI training opportunities.

(Source: Iris Flex™, The AI Gap Study, conducted online with Testset, n=1,003, P=18+ February 2025)

While the desire for upskilling is high across the board, workplace training programs may inadvertently widen the gap if they fail to address the unique barriers women experience. For example, 40% of male employees trust AI with their personal information, compared to just 26% of their female counterparts. Similarly, over half of men (55%) are willing to share personal data for tailored experiences, while only 39% of women agree. These privacy concerns, coupled with structural inequities in training access and workplace dynamics, leave women at a disadvantage in the AI revolution.

The Risks of a Gendered AI Divide: AI is no longer a future technology -- it is shaping today’s job landscape. As companies emphasize the importance of AI proficiency to stay competitive, women risk being left behind in this new digital era. If fewer women adopt AI or seek training, existing inequalities in leadership opportunities and pay gaps may only worsen. Said differently, the race to upskill with AI is as much about advancing technology as it is about safeguarding equity in the workplace.

Solutions: Building Trust and Promoting Inclusivity To close this divide, companies must recognize and address the systemic factors that hinder women's full participation in AI adoption. Women are discerning buyers across the board. If they have tried AI tools for personal or work reasons and did not get what they needed out of them, they may need some convincing to try additional solutions. Prioritizing transparent communication around information safety and security is crucial. Beyond this, organizations should actively cultivate inclusive training environments that consider diverse learning needs and create spaces where women feel empowered to explore AI tools that serve their priorities.

A Call to Action: Closing the gender gap in AI adoption isn't just a moral imperative—it’s a business imperative. Women must seize the opportunity to upskill with AI and advocate for their needs in the workplace. Meanwhile, organizations bear the responsibility of fostering environments where all employees, regardless of gender, can thrive in the AI-driven economy.

Posted at MediaVillage through the Thought Leadership self-publishing platform.

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