Digital Gender Gap in AI persists: German study reveals women use AI less often than men

The study “Digital Gender Gap – Focus 2026: Artificial Intelligence” examines gender-specific differences in the use of AI applications. The results reveal a significant gender AI gap that still persists: Women use AI applications less frequently and less intensively than men. Even when differences in age, education, income, professional context, as well as skills and attitudes are statistically accounted for, a usage gap of 8% remains.

What factors influence the gender AI gap, and what role do organisations play in this?

Perceived Benefits: A Key Factor in Intensive Use

The difference is particularly evident in the intensive use of AI - that is, regular use at least once a month. This form of use is considered a prerequisite for building skills and integrating AI into work processes.

The study identifies expected added value as the most important driver of AI use. AI is used primarily when users recognise a concrete benefit for their professional or personal daily lives. This is the case, for example, when AI takes over monotonous or unpleasant tasks. In such cases, intensive use stands at 31% among men and 26% among women; thus, a clear gender gap is evident here as well. Access to digital infrastructure alone does not seem sufficient to promote usage anymore.

The Importance of Organisational Frameworks and Skill Development as Leverage

Organisational factors significantly influence the use of AI. The likelihood of regular use increases where digital infrastructure is available, digital skills are required in day-to-day work, and AI is already being used in a professional context. The opportunity to test new digital applications also has a positive effect on usage.

In organisations that actively implement AI and provide training opportunities, the gender AI gap loses its statistical significance. When employers offer continuing education, intensive AI use among women stands at 20%, compared to 21% among men. When no continuing education is offered, the difference is significant: only 14% of women use AI intensively, compared to 21% of men.

In contrast, according to the study, informal forms of learning - such as support from colleagues or one’s personal network - do not contribute equally to reducing the usage gap.

Conclusions

The study makes it clear that AI usage does not depend solely on individual factors. Rather, organizational conditions, training opportunities, and specific application scenarios play a central role. The results also show that digital transformation must take into account different starting points and usage contexts so as not to exacerbate existing disparities in AI usage.

About the Study

The study “Digital Gender Gap – Focus 2026: Artificial Intelligence” is a collaborative project between Initiative D21 and the Institute for Employment Research (IAB). The findings are based on a special analysis of the D21 Digital Index 2024/25 study.

An executive summary is available in German and English via this link.