Generative AI Is Boosting Women’s Careers in Tech | by Kamal Acharya

Generative AI is emerging as a career accelerator for women in tech, offering new opportunities for skill development, leadership, and career advancement, according to a new survey by Ensono. The Speak Up survey, which gathered insights from 1,500 female-identifying tech professionals, found that nearly 90% of respondents credited generative AI with enhancing their performance and unlocking new opportunities.

As AI reshapes the industry, many women are actively upskilling, taking on mentorship roles, and positioning themselves for leadership in an evolving workplace.

The survey revealed that the number of women who ranked their AI skills as expert-level has doubled year over year. Many are not just using AI tools but are also leading training efforts, reinforcing their visibility and influence within organizations.

Meredith Graham, Chief People Officer at Ensono, emphasized this trend:

“As women embrace generative AI, they are not only advancing their careers but also playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.”

This proficiency in AI is giving women opportunities to lead AI-driven projects and integrate AI solutions into business strategies, demonstrating their technical and strategic expertise.

Despite their growing expertise, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions. While over 75% aspire to move into management, only 13% currently hold managerial roles. However, the survey highlights a strong ambition for executive leadership, with more than 80% of respondents stating they aim for C-suite positions.

The primary motivations for seeking executive roles include:

The opportunity to tackle new challenges
Increased earning potential
Greater influence in decision-making

The shift back to in-office work has created both opportunities and challenges for women in tech. While many respondents cited collaboration and productivity gains as benefits of returning to the office, they also reported:

Increased work-related stress
A lack of flexibility

Given that work-life balance and flexibility are among the top reasons women consider switching employers, companies looking to retain top talent must carefully navigate these changes.

As AI adoption continues to grow, women in tech are proving that staying ahead of technological advancements is key to career growth. Ensono’s findings reinforce the idea that generative AI expertise is becoming a critical skill, not just for technical performance, but also for career progression and leadership development.

For women in tech, embracing AI isn’t just about keeping up — it’s about leading the future of technology.