Filipino women who enrolled in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) courses on Coursera posted a slightly higher completion rate than men, finishing courses at a rate 0.3% higher, according to the online learning platform’s latest report, “One Year Later: The Gender Gap in GenAI.”
Women learners also showed stronger interest in application-driven GenAI courses focused on education, productivity tools, and workplace integration. According to Coursera, these courses present GenAI as a practical tool for productivity and problem-solving rather than abstract technical theory.
The skills and tools learned from these courses can be applied to tasks such as improving teaching, writing, or creative work. The findings suggest that when artificial intelligence (AI) skills are framed as practical, accessible, and directly tied to career relevance, participation widens.
“The future of AI will be shaped by the diversity of the people building and using it,” Dr. Alexandra Urban, learning science research lead at Coursera, said in a media release. “Our data show that when Filipino women gain access to GenAI learning opportunities, they demonstrate strong persistence and commitment to mastering these skills. The Philippines has an enormous pool of motivated women, and expanding access to GenAI education will be key to unlocking the country’s full talent.”
About 39.1% of GenAI course enrollments in the Philippines in 2025 came from women, up from 38.4% in 2024.
The company said the higher completion rates suggest that access, rather than capability or motivation, may be the primary barrier, reinforcing the need to lower entry barriers and expand access to AI learning pathways.
Beginner-friendly GenAI courses that emphasize real-world applications attract stronger female participation globally. Social Media Management course by Meta has achieved 65.4% female enrollment in the Philippines.
Female learners in the country are also actively upskilling in human-centered capabilities such as critical thinking. Women account for 46.5% of critical thinking course enrollments in the Philippines, showing a growing effort to build both technical and human skills needed to use GenAI effectively and responsibly.
