Artificial intelligence will influence how societies work, govern, and innovate for decades to come. Ensuring that this technology benefits everyone requires the participation and leadership of diverse voices from the outset. Yet today, women remain significantly underrepresented across the AI ecosystem—from education and workforce participation to entrepreneurship and investment.

Towards an AI Future that Works for Everyone: Closing the AI Gender Gap examines the structural barriers preventing women from fully shaping the development and deployment of AI. Drawing on global data and ecosystem insights, the brief highlights how unequal access to education, funding, professional networks, and leadership opportunities continues to limit women’s participation in one of the most transformative technologies of our time.

Developed in partnership with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), the report outlines actionable recommendations for policymakers, investors, industry leaders, and educators. It calls for coordinated efforts to expand access to AI education, strengthen pathways for women-led innovation, and ensure responsible AI governance that reflects the needs of diverse societies.

Closing the gender gap in AI is not simply a matter of equity. It is essential to ensuring that the technologies shaping our future are innovative, trustworthy, and capable of delivering meaningful benefits for people and economies worldwide.