Technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and other emerging fields shaping the future of industries worldwide. However, despite the growing demand for talent, women remain significantly underrepresented in these high-growth sectors. Only 26% of AI professionals and a mere 12% of blockchain developers are women (World Economic Forum, 2023).
The gender gap in emerging technologies is not just a diversity issue—it’s an innovation issue. When women are excluded from these fields, the technology being developed lacks the diversity of thought needed to solve global challenges equitably. Closing this gap is an economic and ethical imperative that will drive progress for everyone.
A female blockchain developer shared her experience:
“Emerging tech is about designing the future. If we don’t have women at the table, we’re leaving half of the world’s talent and creativity behind.”
The Growing Demand for Talent in Emerging Tech
AI and blockchain are among the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy, with applications spanning finance, healthcare, cybersecurity, and beyond. As industries digitize and automate, professionals skilled in these technologies are in high demand.
AI & Machine Learning: AI is transforming industries, from predictive analytics in healthcare to natural language processing in finance. With AI projected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030 (PwC, 2023), the need for diverse perspectives in its development has never been greater.
Blockchain & Web3: Blockchain technology is revolutionizing supply chains, digital finance, and cybersecurity. Women are particularly underrepresented in this space, yet blockchain’s decentralization and transparency provide unique opportunities for inclusivity.Quantum Computing, Cybersecurity & Data Science: Other emerging tech fields—such as quantum computing and cybersecurity—are also growing rapidly, with global skills shortages making diversity a necessity rather than a luxury.
Barriers Holding Women Back in AI, Blockchain, and Other Emerging Tech Fields
Emerging tech has inherited the biases of traditional STEM fields, where men dominate leadership, funding, and hiring decisions. A recent study found that women-led AI startups receive only 2% of venture capital funding (Crunchbase, 2023).
A female AI researcher noted:
“I was one of the few women in my AI program. Even now, I find myself in meetings where I have to prove my expertise before I’m even heard.”
Many women lack exposure to AI and blockchain at an early age. Fewer than 10% of university programs specializing in blockchain technology have a gender balance (UNESCO, 2023). Without targeted outreach and training, women remain at a disadvantage in developing the technical skills required for these fields.
Workplace Culture and Leadership Barriers
Even when women enter AI and blockchain, they often struggle to rise to leadership positions. Studies show that companies with diverse leadership teams make better ethical decisions in AI development (McKinsey, 2022), yet women are vastly underrepresented in AI ethics committees and policy discussions.
The entrepreneurial space within emerging tech remains difficult for women to break into. In blockchain, only 5% of crypto entrepreneurs are women (CoinTelegraph, 2023), limiting female-driven innovation in Web3 and decentralized finance (DeFi).
Opportunities for Women in AI, Blockchain, and Beyond
1. Expanding STEM Education and Training
Building technical skills is essential for success in emerging tech. Introducing AI, machine learning, and blockchain development at an early age helps bridge the gender gap.
- Coding bootcamps, STEM workshops, and online courses designed for women can foster interest and skills in tech fields.
- Scholarships and grants increase access to high-demand skills like AI, data science, and cybersecurity.
- Internships with tech firms provide practical experience and industry exposure.
Early exposure to technology builds confidence and encourages more women to pursue STEM careers.
2. Increasing Mentorship and Networking
Mentorship is crucial for navigating male-dominated tech industries. Connecting women with industry leaders provides career guidance, boosts confidence, and expands professional networks.
- Mentorship programs offer valuable industry insights and career advice.
- Networking events and women-in-tech forums create platforms for collaboration and growth.
- Peer mentorship groups foster community and increase retention in STEM fields.
Mentorship helps women pursue leadership roles and overcome career challenges, creating a cycle of success and support.
3. Investing in Women-Led Tech Startups
Access to funding is a significant barrier for female tech entrepreneurs. Currently, women-led startups receive only 2% of venture capital funding, hindering their growth potential.
- Venture capital firms and angel investors should increase funding for women-led startups.
- Business incubators and accelerator programs help women scale their tech ventures.
- Crowdfunding and grant opportunities provide alternative funding sources.
Investing in women-led tech startups drives economic growth and fosters a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
4. Creating Inclusive Workplace Policies
Inclusive workplaces are essential for retaining women in tech. Companies should prioritize diversity and equity in hiring, leadership, and workplace culture.
- Bias-free recruitment and promotion practices ensure fair advancement opportunities.
- Flexible work arrangements support work-life balance, helping women thrive in tech careers.
- Employee resource groups and mentorship foster collaboration and leadership development.
Inclusive workplaces enhance productivity, innovation, and employee satisfaction for all.
A Vision for the Future
Women in AI, blockchain, and emerging tech are not just participating—they are leading. From developing ethical AI systems to designing blockchain solutions for financial inclusion, women are already making significant contributions.
But we need more.
As one female AI engineer put it:
“We aren’t just shaping the technology—we’re shaping the world it builds. And that world must be for everyone.”
At GGDF, we are dedicated to ensuring that women have the resources, training, and opportunities to lead in AI, blockchain, and beyond. The future of technology must be diverse, inclusive, and ethical—and that future starts now.
Join us in breaking barriers, innovating boldly, and shaping the future together.
References
PwC. (2023). AI’s Impact on the Global Economy. Retrieved from https://www.pwc.com.
World Economic Forum. (2023). The Gender Gap in Emerging Tech. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org.
Crunchbase. (2023). Venture Capital Disparities in AI Startups. Retrieved from https://www.crunchbase.com.
McKinsey & Company. (2022). Diversity and Ethical AI Development. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com.
UNESCO. (2023). Women in Blockchain: A Statistical Review. Retrieved from https://www.unesco.org.
CoinTelegraph. (2023). Women Entrepreneurs in Crypto & Blockchain. Retrieved from https://www.cointelegraph.com.
Harvard Business Review. (2023). Mentorship for Women in Tech Leadership.
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