Coursera, a leading online learning platform, has released its ‘Closing the Gender Gap in GenAI Skills’ playbook, a new resource aimed at addressing the gender gap in Generative AI (GenAI) skills. The playbook explores actionable strategies to empower more women to harness GenAI, highlighting the critical need for continued efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable AI landscape.
The Philippines is leading GenAI adoption in Southeast Asia, yet women remain underrepresented in this fast-growing field. Coursera data shows that while the country has the highest share of women in GenAI enrollments in the region and ranks among the top 10 globally, women still make up only 38% of GenAI enrollments – despite accounting for 51% of all learners in the country. Globally, women account for 32% of GenAI enrollments on Coursera. The growing interest in AI skills across the Philippines presents a strong opportunity to bridge the gender gap. In 2024, Filipino learners recorded the highest growth in GenAI enrollments in Southeast Asia, with women’s enrollments soaring 818%, surpassing the 765% growth among men.
The Philippines has better gender parity in learning than the global average, but this disparity in GenAI enrollments underscores the need for targeted interventions to ensure equitable access to GenAI opportunities and enable more women to lead in the AI-driven era. Encouraging more women to participate in AI will not only drive inclusivity but also ensure that diverse perspectives contribute to the development and application of this transformative technology.
Coursera’s playbook highlights key barriers limiting women’s participation in GenAI, along with strategies to bridge the gap, including:
- Confidence gaps reduce persistence: Women often hesitate to engage in GenAI courses due to self-doubt, even when they have the skills. On Coursera, they are six times more likely to enroll in beginner-level courses than intermediate ones, favoring structured and accessible entry-points. However, Filipino women are breaking this mold, where Coursera data reveals that the top 5 GenAI courses are identical for both men and women. This signals a positive start towards narrowing the divide between men and women in this field.
- 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. A BCG report shows that only 50% of women in the Philippines are exposed to technology before university, underscoring the need for early access to STEM education and clearer career pathways to bridge the gender gap in AI adoption.
- Perceived lack of relevance: Many women hesitate to upskill in GenAI due to uncertainty about its real-world applications. They engage more when GenAI is linked to practical fields like healthcare, education, and creative industries. Real-world case studies, interdisciplinary AI courses, and applied learning programs can make AI more accessible and career-aligned. Globally, women use Coursera Coach 11% more than men, benefiting from guided AI learning and personalized recommendations.
- Lack of female role models limits engagement and retention: Fewer women in AI leadership and education discourage participation. Oxford Academy research shows that more female STEM teachers in high school increases the likelihood of women graduating with STEM degrees. Coursera data reveals that STEM courses with at least one female instructor attract 7% higher female enrollment on average. Increasing women educators, AI mentors, and industry role models will be key to sustaining long-term engagement in GenAI careers.
“While the Philippines has demonstrated an exceptional appetite to understand and harness GenAI technology, it is crucial for the country’s workforce development and international competitiveness that this appetite is shared equally,” said Karine Allouche, global head of enterprise at Coursera. “As the global race towards AI literacy intensifies, expanding opportunities for women in GenAI, equipping them with these critical skills, and empowering them to lead in the digital economy remains an urgent priority. By empowering more women, we can ensure AI is built by diverse voices, for the world.”
Coursera’s insights are designed to equip institutions, individuals, and governments with strategies to allow women to thrive in the rapidly evolving field of GenAI. The ‘Closing the Gender Gap in GenAI Skills’ playbook can be found here.