7 Key Insights on Closing the Gender Gap in AI and Critical Skills: A New Coursera Report

As we celebrate International Women's Day, a fresh analysis from Coursera reveals significant progress—and persistent challenges—in narrowing the gender gap for skills that define the future of work. The report, titled One Year Later: The Gender Gap in GenAI, examines how women are increasingly engaging with Generative AI (GenAI) and essential human competencies like Critical Thinking. With GenAI projected to add up to USD $22.3 trillion to the global economy by 2030, ensuring equitable access to these skills is more crucial than ever. Below, we unpack seven key findings from the study, highlighting where strides are being made and where more work is needed.

• Insight 1: The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever
• Insight 2: The Global Gap Is Narrowing
• Insight 3: Enterprise Learners Lead the Way
• Insight 4: Latin America Sets the Pace
• Insight 5: Asia Pacific Shows Strong Gains
• Insight 6: Developed Nations Are Falling Behind
• Insight 7: Critical Thinking Demands Attention

1. The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever

GenAI is not just a technological trend—it's an economic revolution. According to IDC research, the technology could boost global wealth by a staggering USD $22.3 trillion by 2030. However, such gains will only be distributed fairly if all individuals—regardless of gender—have the skills to harness GenAI. The Coursera report underscores that the gender gap in GenAI learning is not merely a matter of equity; it directly impacts economic inclusion. As institutions race to upskill workforces, women's participation becomes a critical lever for ensuring that the benefits of AI-driven growth are shared broadly rather than concentrated among a few.

2. The Global Gap Is Narrowing

One year after the original analysis, the data paints an encouraging picture. Women's share of total GenAI enrollments on Coursera rose from 32% in 2024 to 36% in 2025. This 4-percentage-point increase may seem modest, but it represents a meaningful shift in engagement. Notably, women's participation is accelerating faster than men's, even as overall GenAI enrollment grows rapidly. This trend suggests that targeted efforts to promote digital skills among women are beginning to pay off. If the current trajectory holds, the gender gap could continue to shrink in the coming years, though sustained investment in inclusive education remains essential.

3. Enterprise Learners Lead the Way

Among learners enrolled through corporate programs, the progress is even more pronounced. Women accounted for 36% of GenAI enrollments in 2024 but jumped to 42% in 2025. This 6-point increase within enterprise settings highlights how employers are actively encouraging female employees to build AI competencies. The trend is particularly promising because workplace learning often translates into tangible career advancement and higher earning potential. When companies prioritize inclusive upskilling, they not only close gender gaps but also cultivate a diverse talent pool that can drive innovation from multiple perspectives.

4. Latin America Sets the Pace

Regionally, Latin America emerged as a standout. The share of female GenAI enrollments in the region doubled year-over-year. Leading the charge are countries like Peru (+14.5 percentage points), Mexico (+5.3 points), and Colombia (+4.5 points). These nations demonstrate that targeted policies and accessible online education can rapidly shift enrollment patterns. Factors such as government digital literacy initiatives, partnerships with tech platforms, and a strong cultural emphasis on education have likely contributed. Latin America's success offers a blueprint for other regions seeking to accelerate women's participation in AI fields.

5. Asia Pacific Shows Strong Gains

Across Asia Pacific, women are steadily increasing their share of GenAI learning. Uzbekistan stands out globally with an 8.8 percentage point increase in female enrollments. India, Coursera's largest market for GenAI, recorded a 2.2 percentage point rise, while Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines also posted gains. The upward trend in these diverse economies suggests that the appeal of GenAI skills transcends cultural and economic boundaries. However, the pace of change varies widely, indicating the need for continued targeted support in countries where growth is slower.

6. Developed Nations Are Falling Behind

Paradoxically, some of the world's most technologically advanced economies are seeing the gender gap widen. In the United States (-0.9 percentage points), Canada (-1.0), United Kingdom (-1.8), Spain (-1.1), and Germany (-0.2), women's share of GenAI enrollments actually decreased between 2024 and 2025. This reversal may stem from men's enrollment growing faster in these markets, perhaps due to earlier exposure or stronger industry pressure. The finding is a wake-up call: even in wealthy nations, equality in tech skills does not happen automatically. Proactive measures—like scholarships, mentorship programs, and inclusive curricula—are needed to reverse this trend.

7. Critical Thinking Demands Attention

While GenAI grabbed the spotlight, the report also highlights the importance of human competencies like Critical Thinking. These skills are essential for complementing AI, yet the gender gap here remains largely unexamined. Early indications suggest that women are not enrolling in Critical Thinking courses at the same rate as men, which could undermine their ability to lead in AI-driven workplaces. As the economy evolves, institutions must not only close the AI skills gap but also ensure women have equal access to the soft skills that turn technical knowledge into strategic impact. Further research and targeted course offerings are needed to address this overlooked dimension of the gender divide.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The Coursera report offers both hope and caution. Women are making real strides in GenAI learning globally, with enterprise programs and regions like Latin America leading the way. Yet, the backsliding in developed countries and the gap in Critical Thinking remind us that progress is not guaranteed. As International Women's Day reminds us of the ongoing fight for equality, these findings call on policymakers, educators, and employers to double down on inclusive strategies. Only by addressing both the digital divide and the skills gap can we ensure that the AI revolution lifts everyone—regardless of gender.