Decreasing number of women promoted in D&A and AI
Women’s representation at senior levels in data, analytics and artificial intelligence has been decreasing since 2008, according to a new report Career Outlook for Women in Data, Analytics, and AI. “The transformative potential of AI underscores the critical need for diverse perspectives in the field. However, the underrepresentation of women in D&A and AI highlights a significant gap in workforce diversity”, the outlook by consultancy KPMG, diversity network Women Leaders in Data and AI (WLDA.TECH) and research firm Revelio Labs says.
“Data, analytics (D&A), and AI are not only transforming the world we live in but also shaping the future of how companies create value” the report says quoting a KPMG US survey showing that 77% of executives believe generative AI will materially influence society in the next three to five years more than any other emerging technology.
“Women make up just over one-third, or 39% of the workforce in these areas, with the gap widening at senior levels. Addressing this gap is essential to harness the full potential of AI and ensure that the technology benefits from a wide range of insights and experiences.”
“While the rate of women’s promotion and tenure is normalising compared with men’s, the rate of promotion only stabilises rather than help close the overall representation gap (29% women versus 71% men). To close this gap organisations will need to lean into programs that help to foster a pipeline of women talent, create opportunities for women to remain in the field, and ensure equity when hiring and promoting talent.”
Key Findings:
- Women’s representation at senior levels in this field has been decreasing since 2008.
- New women entrants as a proportion relative to men is at a 16-year low while exit rates are rising, ending a decade-long trend of exit rate improvement.
- Systemic pay inequity is holding flat at 6-13% less than male counterparts depending on seniority.
- Organizations with above-median representation of women in these roles are 65% more likely to have robust digital literacy programs.
- Programs to grow the population of women considered for D&A and AI roles can be meaningfully augmented from a variety of non-traditional sources.
“By broadening the representation of women in these pivotal fields, we can help ensure a future where technology development benefits from a truly diverse array of perspectives, enriching innovation and societal progress”, the report says.
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