09/04/2026
Women in Southeast Asia are showing remarkable persistence in building generative AI skills. As highlighted, Filipino women complete GenAI courses at a rate 0.3% higher than men, while Indonesian women complete at a rate 0.9% higher. What makes this notable is that women remain underrepresented in overall enrolments, yet once they gain access, they are more likely to complete their courses.
This reflects resilience and a clear recognition of how AI skills can open doors in today’s workforce. In both countries, courses designed around practical applications such as social media management or workplace productivity have proven especially effective in engaging women learners.
For professionals everywhere, the lesson is straightforward. GenAI is reshaping industries, and those who invest in learning how to use these tools will stay ahead. But technical skills alone are not enough. Pairing AI literacy with human strengths like critical thinking, communication, and ethical judgment creates a powerful combination that employers value.
Upskilling in GenAI does more than boost productivity by automating repetitive tasks. It also builds career mobility, since these skills are transferable across marketing, HR, education, and technology. This makes professionals more resilient against automation and more relevant in hybrid roles.
The takeaway is clear: Upskill, adapt, and stay indispensable. Women in the Philippines and Indonesia are showing us that persistence in learning is the real differentiator in the age of AI. And to support this lifelong learning journey, we are working on our own LAPA app (Learn AI, Play AI) to help tertiary students, new graduates, and corporate teams strengthen their GenAI skills and stay future-ready.
Filipino women who enroll in generative AI (GenAI) courses complete them at rates 0.3 percentage points higher than their male counterparts, according to new...