India Grapples with Gender Disparity in AI: Only 1 in 5 Professionals Are Women

India is rapidly emerging as a global hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation, but a significant gender gap threatens to undermine its progress. Despite the country's leading position in STEM education for women, a recent report reveals that only one in five AI professionals in India are women. This disparity raises concerns about inclusivity and the potential for biased AI development.

The Stark Reality

A report by Kalaari Capital estimates that approximately 84,000 women are currently employed in AI and Machine Learning (ML) roles in India, representing just 20% of the total workforce. While this number is projected to increase to 340,000 by 2027, fueled by greater access to AI education and rising industry demand, it doesn't guarantee equal influence. Women are often concentrated in data-heavy roles like engineering and analytics, with limited representation in core model development, product design, and leadership positions.

Even in the startup ecosystem, the gender gap persists. Only 10% of AI startups in India have a woman founder, and a mere five firms account for over half of the total funding secured by women-led ventures since 2020. Among the top 24 most-funded AI startups, none have all-women founding teams.

Underlying Challenges

Several factors contribute to this underrepresentation. A lack of confidence often deters women from enrolling in advanced GenAI courses, with many preferring beginner-level options. Time constraints and the challenge of balancing caregiving responsibilities also hinder their participation in STEM fields. Moreover, the scarcity of female role models in AI leadership and education discourages women from pursuing careers in this domain. Societal norms, limited access to technology and capital, and the overwhelming burden of unpaid care work further exacerbate the problem.

Initiatives and Progress

Despite these challenges, there are encouraging signs of progress. Women's enrollment in technical education has surged to 17% in 2025, compared to just 4% in 2022. The most significant increase has been in AI and ML programs, where female participation has quadrupled within a year. Enrolments by Indian women in generative AI courses tripled in FY25, reaching nearly 390,000 learners, or 30% of total AI education sign-ups on platforms like Coursera.

Several initiatives are underway to promote women's participation in AI. The Indian Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with Microsoft to launch the "AI Careers for Women" program, aiming to train 20,000 women in Tier-II and Tier-III towns in India. The AI KIRAN Initiative, led by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), focuses on empowering women scientists and researchers through infrastructure support, AI innovation promotion, and human resource development. The "AI by HER: Global Impact Challenge," in partnership with NITI Aayog- Women Entrepreneurship Platform, promotes gender equity and aims to showcase scalable AI-for-good applications.

The Path Forward

Bridging the gender gap in AI requires a multi-faceted approach. Increasing awareness, fostering supportive networks, and promoting mentorship are crucial to encouraging more women to join the field. Venture capital firms need to actively seek out and invest in women-led AI startups. Addressing algorithmic bias by involving women in usability testing and collaborating with gender experts is essential for creating fairer AI models.

Furthermore, strengthening AI research and policymaking for gender inclusion should remain a priority. Initiatives like the 'India AI Mission' and 'AI for All' must emphasize gender-inclusive AI research and ensure that AI tools serve India's full spectrum of diversity. By creating a more inclusive and equitable environment, India can harness the full potential of its talent pool and ensure that AI benefits all members of society.