Linda O’Leary
Accelerate with AI Co-Lead, CWiT
Georgina Pavlides
Accelerate with AI Co-Lead, CWiT
Explore how ‘Accelerate with AI’ empowers women in tech, addresses gender gaps in AI and fosters inclusive innovation, shaping Ireland’s economic future and global digital leadership.
In the rapidly evolving world of AI, women are emerging as powerful catalysts for change. Despite significant strides, gender disparities persist, with women underrepresented in technical and leadership roles.
Bridging the gender gap
According to the World Economic Forum, women constitute only 22% of professionals in the AI sector globally.1 With such low representation, there is a risk that AI development reinforces existing inequalities rather than disrupts them. Initiatives like ‘Accelerate with AI’ from Connecting Women in Technology (CWIT) focus on addressing this challenge by ensuring women have equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from the AI revolution.
Accelerate with AI
CWiT’s Accelerate with AI initiative is designed to support women in tech by providing the tools, resources and mentorship needed to excel in the AI field. The remarkable participation in the program to date underscores the significant interest in AI education among women at all levels.
With interactive workshops, thought-leadership panels and valuable networking opportunities, these events not only celebrate women’s contributions to AI but also provide a platform for inspiring the next generation.
Allyship is crucial for gender equality
and for empowering women across
all tech sectors, not just AI.
AI adoption and economic impact
AI adoption in Ireland has surged to 91% as of 2025, nearly doubling from 49% in 2024. AI is projected to add at least €250 billion to Ireland’s GDP by 2035, with potential for an additional €60 billion depending on how businesses, government and industry leaders harness AI’s capabilities and implement policies that foster responsible innovation.2 AI integration in the workplace is breaking barriers and empowering women to leverage technology and take on pivotal roles.
The role of allyship
Allyship is crucial for gender equality and for empowering women across all tech sectors, not just AI. Creating a culture of allyship fosters inclusivity and helps women thrive by advocating for equitable opportunities, mentoring and challenging biases.
CWiT’s Retain pillar, which the Accelerate with AI initiative fails under, focuses on developing and delivering a peer network across top tech companies in Ireland, supporting the growth and development of female talent. As we look to the future, women will continue to drive innovation and create a better world for all.
[1] World Economic Forum. 2025. Why it’s time to use reskilling to unlock women’s STEM potential.
[2] Chartered Accountants Ireland. 2025. AI expected to add €250 billion to Ireland’s economy by 2035 – report.
