The Philippines is leading GenAI adoption in Southeast Asia, yet women remain underrepresented in this fast-growing field.

In the Closing the Gender Gap in GenAI Skills playbook by Coursera, data shows that while the country has the highest share of women in GenAI enrollments in the region and ranks among the top 10 globally, women still make up only 38 percent of GenAI enrollments despite accounting for 51 percent of all learners.

Globally, women account for 32 percent of GenAI enrollments on Coursera. The growing interest in AI skills across the Philippines presents a strong opportunity to bridge the gender gap. In 2024, Filipino learners recorded the highest growth in GenAI enrollments in Southeast Asia, with women’s enrollments soaring 818 percent, surpassing the 765 percent growth among men.

The Philippines has better gender parity in learning than the global average, though this disparity in enrollments underscores the need for targeted interventions to ensure equitable access to GenAI opportunities and enable more women to lead in the AI-driven era. Encouraging more women to participate in AI will not only drive inclusivity but ensure that diverse perspectives contribute to the development and application of this transformative technology.

“While the Philippines has demonstrated an exceptional appetite to understand and harness GenAI technology, it is crucial for the country’s workforce development and international competitiveness that this appetite is shared equally,” Karine Allouche, global head of Enterprise at Coursera, said.

Confidence gaps reduce persistence. Women often hesitate to engage in GenAI courses due to self-doubt, even when they have the skills.

Limited time and unclear guidelines hinder skill adoption. Many women cite “lack of time” as their top reason for discontinuing STEM courses, reflecting the reality of balancing caregiving and work responsibilities.

Perceived lack of relevance. Many women hesitate to upskill in GenAI due to uncertainty about its real-world applications. They engage more when GenAI is linked to practical fields like healthcare, education, and creative industries.

The lack of female role models limits engagement and retention. Fewer women in AI leadership and education discourage participation. Oxford Academy research shows that more female STEM teachers in high school increase the likelihood of women graduating with STEM degrees.

“As the global race towards AI literacy intensifies, expanding opportunities for women in GenAI, equipping them with these critical skills, and empowering them to lead in the digital economy remains an urgent priority. By empowering more women, we can ensure AI is built by diverse voices, for the world,” Allouche said.