New York, September 25, 2024 – Data, analytics (D&A), and AI are not only transforming the world we live in but also shaping the future of how companies create value. According to a recent 2024 KPMG U.S. survey, approximately 77% of executives believe generative AI will materially influence society in the next three to five years more than any other emerging technology.
The transformative potential of AI underscores the critical need for diverse perspectives in the field. However, the underrepresentation of women in D&A and AI highlights a significant gap in workforce diversity. Women make up just over one-third, or 39% of the workforce in these areas, with the gap widening at senior levels. Addressing this gap is essential to harness the full potential of AI and ensure that the technology benefits from a wide range of insights and experiences.
The 2024 Career Outlook for Women in D&A and AI, developed by KPMG in collaboration with Women Leaders in Data and AI (WLDA.TECH) and Revelio Labs, highlights the current state of diversity and proposes strategic interventions to bridge the gender gap. The report focuses on actively dismantling barriers to women’s advancement through mentorship and allyship, helping to create a greater sense of belonging and a focus on more equitable compensation.
The data is further supported by the lived experience of executive-level women in the D&A and AI space across the private and public sectors.
Key Findings:
- Women’s representation at senior levels in this field has decreased since 2008.
- New women entrants as a proportion relative to men is at a 16-year low while exit rates are rising, ending a decade-long trend of exit rate improvement.
- Systemic pay inequity is holding flat at 6-13% less than male counterparts depending on seniority.
- Organizations with above-median representation of women in these roles are 65% more likely to have robust digital literacy programs.
- Programs to grow the population of women considered for D&A and AI roles can be meaningfully augmented from various non-traditional sources.
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Asha Saxena, Founder and CEO of WLDA.tech, added, “The rapid advancement of technology will profoundly impact our world. Women leaders must take their rightful place at the table, shaping a just and inclusive future for all”
“By broadening the representation of women in these pivotal fields, we can ensure a future where technology development benefits from a truly diverse array of perspectives, enriching innovation and societal progress,” said Lisa Simon, Chief Economist at Revelio Labs.
Robert Parr, Ally and Advisory Chief Data Officer at KPMG LLP, emphasized, “Addressing the gender gap in data, analytics, and AI is crucial for creating a more inclusive and innovative future. Our data-driven approach sheds light on the current state of diversity and inspires actionable solutions.”
Career Outlook for Women in D&A and AI
A call to action | A roadmap for progress. Download below!
About KPMG LLP: KPMG LLP is the U.S. firm of the KPMG global organization of independent professional services firms providing audit, tax, and advisory services. The KPMG global organization operates in 143 countries and territories and has more than 273,000 people working in member firms around the world. Learn more at www.kpmg.com/us.
About WLDA.TECH: Women Leaders in Data and AI (WLDA TECH) is a women and ally-led membership and mastermind circle organization dedicated to empowering women leaders in the data and AI sectors. Our mission is to unite women at the forefront of data and AI innovation to shape a meaningful future. Learn more at https://wlda.tech.
About Revelio Labs: Revelio Labs is a workforce intelligence company that absorbs and standardizes hundreds of millions of public employment records to create the world’s first universal HR database. The company’s team of data scientists, economists, and engineers deliver valuable workforce analytics to customers, empowering them to make actionable, data-driven decisions. Learn more at www.reveliolabs.com/company.
