Women still underrepresented in AI sector despite education progress

Women continue to face barriers entering artificial intelligence and technology sectors despite making substantial educational advances, according to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2026. The research highlights a disconnect between women's growing qualification levels and their limited participation in high-growth technology fields.

The report indicates that global gender parity has reached its closest point to date, signalling meaningful progress across multiple dimensions. However, the WEF cautioned that this progress remains fragile, with some regions and sectors experiencing setbacks in gender equality metrics.

The underrepresentation of women in AI roles reflects broader structural challenges within the technology industry, including workplace culture, recruitment practices, and career progression pathways. Despite women earning degrees at similar or higher rates than men in many developed economies, they remain concentrated in lower-paying and less prestigious technology positions.

Experts emphasise that sustained effort is required to convert educational parity into genuine workplace equity. The findings suggest that Malaysia and other regional economies must address systemic barriers to ensure women can fully participate in the AI revolution and benefit from opportunities in this rapidly expanding sector.