Confidence, prevailing stereotypes prevent women from engaging with GenAI courses
Despite a rise in generative AI enrolments in Singapore, a new report from Coursera has revealed that women are underrepresented in the overall number of learners in the developing technology.
There were nearly 50,000 enrolments in GenAI courses on Coursera last year, a 240% surge from the previous year.
Enrolment among women was higher, hitting a 253% growth rate in 2024 and outpacing the 168% growth rate among men.
Despite this, Coursera's latest data revealed that while women constitute 45% of all learners in Singapore, they make up just 32% of enrolments in GenAI courses.
"Without deliberate action, this disparity risks reinforcing existing inequities in AI's development and application, further exacerbating imbalances in the talent market," the report read.
One of the factors fuelling this gap is the prevailing stereotypes that discourage women's participation in GenAI learning, according to the report.
"Cultural messaging shapes perceptions of who 'belongs' in technology fields. Girls are less likely to be encouraged towards STEM subjects, and this bias continues into higher education and careers," the report noted.
Other factors influencing this gap are:
Confidence issues reducing persistence to engage in GenAI courses
Limited time and unclear guidelines that hold back skill adoption
Uncertainty about the real-world applications of GenAI
Lack of female role models in the GenAI field limits engagement and retention
Karine Allouche, global head of enterprise at Coursera, said it is crucial that the country's appetite to harness GenAI technology is "shared equally" among Singaporeans.
"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," Allouche said in a statement.
"By empowering more women, we can ensure AI is built by diverse voices, for the world."
One piece of advice that Coursera offered is expanding access to GenAI skills learning through employer sponsorships, government-backed initiatives, and inclusive course designs.
"By increasing access to GenAI education … we can unlock opportunities for women to engage in GenAI and contribute to its development," the report read.
It also suggested providing clear AI policies and flexible learning to increase women's participation in GenAI courses.
"Without transparent guidance on how to apply GenAI skills, many women hesitate to invest time in learning — especially when they are also balancing caregiving responsibilities or full-time work," the report read.
Other advice offered by Coursera includes:
Increasing female representation in GenAI content to drive engagement, such as by showing female instructors, mentors, and leaders engaged in GenAI education
Boosting women's confidence through targeted learning support
Making GenAI relevant to women's careers and everyday lives by showing how it can be aligned with their goals
