Women in AI Ireland: Closing the Gender Gap in Artificial Intelligence

Women remain significantly underrepresented in AI roles globally, and Ireland is no exception. However, targeted initiatives, supportive communities, and accessible education pathways are helping to close the gap.

The Current Landscape

Women hold approximately 22% of AI roles in Ireland, below the already low global average of 26%. The gap is widest in technical roles (15%) and narrowest in AI ethics and governance (38%).

Initiatives Making a Difference

Organisations like Women in AI Ireland, AI Ireland's diversity programme, and university-led initiatives are actively encouraging women into AI. Scholarships, mentorship programmes, and networking events create supportive pathways into the field.

Accessible Entry Points

One of the most effective approaches is providing accessible, non-technical entry points into AI. Programmes like AI Certified and non-technical AI courses welcome professionals from all backgrounds and don't require prior coding experience.

Career Pathways

AI offers diverse career paths beyond coding — from AI strategy and product management to ethics, policy, and governance. Business-focused AI courses open doors to these roles without requiring a computer science background.