Jakarta, INTI - Indonesian women are demonstrating strong potential in mastering Artificial Intelligence technologies. This insight emerges from a recent report released by Coursera titled “One Year Later: The Gender Gap in GenAI.” The report examines the progress of women’s participation and achievements in learning generative AI across different countries, including Indonesia.
According to the report, women in Indonesia recorded a course completion rate in generative AI programs that was 0.9 percent higher than men. This finding highlights the strong persistence and commitment shown by female learners, particularly when they are given access to quality educational opportunities.
However, women are still not fully represented in the AI learning ecosystem. In 2025, women accounted for about 32 percent of total enrollments in generative AI courses in Indonesia, a slight increase from 31 percent in 2024. While the one-percentage-point rise suggests gradual progress, the gender gap in technology-related fields remains visible.
The report indicates that the primary barrier may not lie in women’s abilities or motivation, but rather in their access to education and training opportunities in AI. When such opportunities are available, women have demonstrated strong academic performance.
Bridging the Gap Between Technology Use and Industry Participation
This development is particularly significant as Indonesia continues to accelerate its digital transformation. Data from the Ministry of Communication and Informatics Indonesia shows that women represent around 49 percent of internet users in the country. Yet, only about 27 percent of women work in the technology sector, a figure still below the global average of roughly 40 percent.
This situation reveals a gap between women’s use of digital technology and their participation in the technology industry itself. As a result, strengthening digital literacy and AI-related skills is considered a strategic step toward expanding women’s participation in the national digital economy.
Practical AI Courses Attract More Female Learners
The Coursera report also found that course design significantly influences women’s participation. Beginner-friendly courses that emphasize practical, real-world applications tend to attract more female learners. This approach helps participants understand how AI technologies can be applied directly in professional tasks and everyday activities.
For example, the Social Media Management course developed by Meta recorded 54.6 percent female participation in Indonesia. This high percentage suggests that when AI learning is linked to practical needs, women’s interest in the subject increases considerably.
In addition to technical capabilities, Indonesian women are also strengthening human skills that are increasingly important in the AI era. In 2025, women represented around 40 percent of enrollments in critical thinking courses, rising from 38 percent the previous year.
According to Alexandra Urban, Learning Science Research Lead at Coursera, the future of AI will be shaped by the diversity of the people who build and use it.
“Our data shows that when women in Indonesia gain access to GenAI learning opportunities, they demonstrate strong persistence and commitment in mastering these skills,” she said.
The findings also carry important implications for the development of Indonesia’s digital workforce. To increase women’s participation, the report recommends several strategic actions, including designing beginner-level courses with practical applications, adopting more inclusive learning approaches, expanding localized learning content, and integrating AI capabilities with human-centered skills such as critical thinking.
As Artificial Intelligence technologies continue to advance and reshape industries, broader and more inclusive access to education will become increasingly important. With equal learning opportunities, Indonesian women have the potential not only to adopt emerging technologies but also to become key contributors and leaders shaping the future of AI.
Conclusion
The findings highlight the growing role of Indonesian women in the development of Artificial Intelligence skills. While participation levels still show a gender gap, stronger access to inclusive education and practical AI training could unlock significant potential. With the right opportunities, Indonesian women are well positioned not only to participate in the digital economy but also to become key contributors shaping the future of AI innovation.
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