Indian women dominate AI skills but face steep career barriers at home

Indian women lead globally in AI skills, according to Stanford University’s AI Index Report. Their score of 1.91 tops the world rankings. Yet, despite this strength, major gaps remain in representation and inclusivity within India’s AI sector. A recent incident in Bundelkhand highlighted a common problem. A woman used an AI chatbot in Bundeli to ask about pregnancy-related dizziness. The chatbot responded in Hindi and English, which she struggled to understand. This reflects a broader issue: most AI systems in India are trained in English and standard Hindi, sidelining regional dialects, especially those spoken by women in rural areas.

Fewer women pursue advanced STEM education, and those who do often face career barriers. Hiring biases, limited mentorship, and a lack of women in senior AI roles hinder their progress. Marriage, motherhood, and caregiving duties also overlap with crucial years for career growth, pushing many out of the tech sector or blocking leadership opportunities.

Women-led AI startups receive less venture capital funding, further narrowing the range of innovations. Without diverse voices, AI development risks producing biased and ineffective technology. This exclusion can perpetuate social inequalities and leave many users unserved. Only about 20% of India’s AI and machine learning workforce are women, even with high skill penetration. The country’s ambition to become an AI superpower depends on whether its technology can understand and be shaped by women from all linguistic backgrounds. Inclusive development is key to addressing these gaps.