Coursera Champions Gender Equality in GenAI Education

Coursera Advances Gender Equality in GenAI Education

Coursera, the leading global online learning platform, recently spotlighted a significant gender gap in the field of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). Although Thailand is embracing GenAI at a rapid pace, the disparity in course enrolment between genders raises concerns. In Thailand, while women make up 50% of online learners overall, they represent only 30% of those signing up for GenAI courses — a trend that mirrors the global scenario where women account for merely 32% of enrolments in these courses.

The Challenge

Thailand currently ranks 42nd worldwide for GenAI enrolment among adult female learners. This statistic underscores the pressing need for focused interventions that ensure more women have access to developing GenAI skills. Karine Allouche, Coursera’s Global Head of Enterprise, emphasized that sharing the enthusiasm for GenAI equally is crucial for workforce development and maintaining international competitiveness.

Encouraging Developments

Despite these challenges, the rise in women’s interest in AI is promising. In 2024, the surge in enrolment for GenAI courses among women in Thailand escalated by 370%, surpassing the 191% growth seen among men. This trend suggests that, while initial participation is low, the capacity for growth exists when targeted support and resources are provided.

Coursera's Initiative: Closing the Gender Gap

In response to the ongoing gender imbalances, Coursera has introduced its "Closing the Gender Gap in GenAI Skills" playbook. This resource is designed to tackle the reasons behind the slow enrolment of women in GenAI courses. The playbook highlights that many women tend to opt for beginner-level courses over advanced ones, often due to a lack of confidence in their skills — even when they possess them. Common challenges include:

• Time Constraints: Many women cite balancing caregiving duties with work responsibilities as a barrier to continuing studies.
• Career Uncertainty: Unclear learning paths and ambiguous employer policies on AI contribute to hesitancy in pursuing further education.
• Practical Applications: Interest tends to increase when GenAI is linked to industries such as healthcare, education, and the creative sectors.

Looking Ahead

The findings have spurred a conversation about how to better integrate GenAI skills into diverse professional fields, ensuring that women are not left behind in the AI revolution. With targeted initiatives and structured learning approaches, stakeholders are optimistic about bridging the gender gap in GenAI education, paving the way for more balanced participation and diverse contributions to the AI-driven future.

By addressing these challenges head-on, Coursera is setting the stage for a more inclusive digital future where innovation is powered by the talents of all learners.