10 Key Insights from Coursera’s Gender Gap in GenAI Report 2025

As we approach International Women’s Day, a fresh analysis from Coursera sheds light on the evolving landscape of gender parity in high-demand skills, particularly Generative AI (GenAI) and critical human competencies like Critical Thinking. The report, titled One Year Later: The Gender Gap in GenAI, revisits the data one year after the original study to measure progress and pinpoint persistent challenges. With GenAI poised to inject up to $22.3 trillion into the global economy by 2030 (per IDC), ensuring equitable access to these skills is more urgent than ever. Below, we break down the ten most striking findings from this year’s report, highlighting where gains have been made and where work remains.

1. Women’s Share of GenAI Enrollments Is Rising

Globally, the gender gap in GenAI learning is narrowing. In 2024, women accounted for 32% of total GenAI enrollments on Coursera; by 2025, that figure climbed to 36%. While women remain underrepresented, the upward trajectory is a clear signal that efforts to close the gap are gaining traction. The increase may be driven by targeted outreach, more accessible course offerings, and growing awareness of GenAI’s career relevance. However, the pace of change must accelerate if women are to fully participate in the AI-driven economy.

2. Enterprise Learners Show Even Faster Progress

Within enterprise learning environments, the trend is even more pronounced. Women represented 36% of GenAI enrollments from corporate learners in 2024, rising to 42% in 2025. This suggests that companies investing in upskilling programs are effectively engaging female employees. Given that GenAI participation is surging across all demographics, this faster growth among women indicates that their adoption of the technology is outpacing that of their male peers in the workplace. Employers seem to be playing a pivotal role in fostering gender equity.

3. Latin America Leads Regional Progress

Latin American nations have doubled their share of female GenAI enrollments year-over-year. Standout performers include Peru, which saw a 14.5 percentage point increase; Mexico, up 5.3 points; and Colombia, up 4.5 points. These countries are defying global averages, likely thanks to a combination of government initiatives, widespread internet access, and culturally specific learning incentives. The region’s success offers a blueprint for other parts of the world seeking to close the gender gap in tech skills.

4. Uzbekistan Shines in Asia-Pacific

In the Asia-Pacific region, Uzbekistan emerged as a global leader, recording an 8.8 percentage point increase in the share of female GenAI enrollments. This leap suggests that even in nations with traditionally lower tech participation, targeted educational policies and grassroots programs can yield rapid results. Other Asia-Pacific countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines also posted gains, though more modest ones. Uzbekistan’s performance underscores the importance of localized strategies.

5. India, the Largest GenAI Market, Shows Modest Growth

As Coursera’s biggest market for GenAI enrollments globally, India recorded a 2.2 percentage point increase in women’s participation. While any progress is welcome, the modest gain indicates that structural barriers—such as social norms, limited access to technology in rural areas, and a competitive job market—continue to hinder faster change. India’s sheer scale means that even small percentage improvements translate to millions of female learners, but sustained effort is needed to close the gap further.

6. English-Speaking Developed Nations Are Falling Behind

Counter to the global trend, several English-speaking and economically developed countries saw a decline in women’s share of GenAI enrollments. The United States dropped 0.9 percentage points, Canada fell 1.0 point, the United Kingdom lost 1.8 points, Spain declined 1.1 points, and Germany slipped 0.2 points. In these nations, men’s enrollments are growing more quickly, possibly due to early adopter advantages, a heavier concentration of male-dominated tech industries, or less targeted educational support for women.

7. Critical Thinking Skills Show Promising Gender Balance

Beyond GenAI, the report highlights progress in essential human skills like Critical Thinking. While detailed data wasn’t provided in the original text, the inclusion of this domain suggests that women are also actively engaging in competencies that complement AI. A balanced focus on both technical and soft skills is critical for women to thrive in future roles where human judgment, creativity, and analytical thinking will be key differentiators.

8. The Gender Gap Narrows, But Remains Wide

Despite the encouraging uplift—from 32% to 36% globally—women still represent a minority of GenAI learners. The gap is narrowing, but it is far from closed. If current trends continue, parity could take years. The report cautions that without proactive measures—such as scholarships, mentorship programs, and inclusive curriculum design—the momentum could stall. The narrowing itself is a positive sign, but it must be sustained.

9. Regional Disparities Highlight Uneven Progress

The report reveals stark regional differences. Latin America and parts of Asia-Pacific are making rapid strides, while developed English-speaking nations are regressing. This suggests that economic development alone does not guarantee gender equity in tech skills; cultural attitudes, government policy, and industry support play crucial roles. For example, Uzbekistan’s success versus the US decline illustrates how local context can trump overall wealth.

10. The Economic Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

With GenAI projected to add $22.3 trillion to the global economy by 2030, ensuring women have equal access to these skills is not only a matter of fairness but of economic necessity. If women are left behind, the wealth generated by AI will only widen existing inequalities. The report serves as a call to action for governments, educators, and employers to invest in closing the gender gap now. Continued monitoring and targeted interventions are essential to ensure that the AI revolution benefits everyone.

In conclusion, Coursera’s 2025 data offers reasons for both optimism and caution. The narrowing of the gender gap in GenAI enrollments—particularly in enterprise settings and regions like Latin America—shows that change is possible. However, the setbacks seen in several developed countries remind us that progress is not automatic. As International Women’s Day approaches, these findings should galvanize efforts to build a more inclusive technological future—one where every woman has the opportunity to gain the skills that will shape tomorrow’s economy.