The Power of Inclusion: Why Encouraging Women into AI is a Business Imperative.

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the global economy, rewriting the way businesses operate, and redefining the future of work. Yet, as with so many technological revolutions, women are at risk of being left behind. Recent research reported by The Times highlights that women are about 20% less likely than men to adopt generative AI tools. This gap is not rooted in ability, but in a complex web of social conditioning, risk aversion, and systemic workplace bias. The result is not only a deepening inequality but also a missed opportunity for innovation. If women remain sidelined in this new wave of technological progress, both society and business will pay the price.

The importance of encouraging women into AI cannot be overstated. Diversity is not just a buzzword, it is a driver of excellence. Studies have shown that gender-diverse AI teams produce higher quality code, enjoy stronger engagement, and deliver more impactful contributions. Women’s perspectives help uncover blind spots, especially around fairness and bias, ensuring that the systems shaping our lives serve broader and more inclusive needs. In short, women’s participation is not simply about equity; it is about building better, more robust AI.

This is where organisations like Women in AI (WAI) are playing a transformative role. Founded in 2016, WAI has grown into a global non-profit movement committed to making AI more inclusive. Its mission is delivered through a network of educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and research collaborations. One of its flagship initiatives, WaiACCELERATE, is a nine-month business accelerator designed specifically for female entrepreneurs. Rooted in ethical innovation and aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, the program equips women with the tools, confidence, and networks they need to launch AI ventures with a purpose.

Alongside entrepreneurship, WAI’s WAILabs initiative focuses on research. By tackling issues such as algorithmic fairness and inclusivity, it brings together interdisciplinary teams to develop solutions that have both academic depth and real-world application. Meanwhile, the Techkies Series in the UK provides hands-on training in areas like generative AI, Python, and PowerBI, giving women access to the technical skills in highest demand across the industry. Together, these programs form an ecosystem that empowers women to step into AI not as passive consumers, but as innovators, leaders, and change makers.

Role models are also critical in driving cultural change. Figures like Caroline Lair, co-founder of Women in AI, and Zöe Webster, a leading UK AI consultant, remind us that women’s contributions are not about quotas or tokenism. As Webster has noted, women belong in technology because they bring something essential to the field, unique perspectives that make the discipline stronger. Their visibility provides inspiration and proof that success in AI is not only possible for women but essential for the industry as a whole.

For the Business of AI Club which was founded by the Irish Ambassador for Women in AI, Naomh McElhatton, the opportunity to contribute to this movement is both clear and urgent. By hosting inclusive events and practical workshops, we can create pathways for women to gain hands-on experience with the tools reshaping the workplace. Creating impactful initiatives opens the door to mentoring and supporting women-led AI startups, ensuring that new businesses are founded on values of equity and sustainability. Through thought leadership, research collaborations, and corporate advocacy, the club can help shape the cultural and structural changes that the sector so desperately needs. And by celebrating the success of women-led AI initiatives, we can help inspire the next generation to step into the field with confidence.

Encouraging women into AI is more than a matter of representation, it is a business imperative. By broadening participation, we create stronger, fairer, and more innovative systems.

The future of AI must not be one in which half of humanity’s potential is left untapped. Instead, it should be a future built on inclusion, creativity, and shared leadership.

Supporting women in AI is one of the most powerful ways to achieve that vision!