A new global study by the Capgemini Research Institute has raised concerns that gender bias in perceptions of future-facing skills—particularly artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and data analysis—could reinforce and widen the leadership gender gap.
Despite growing confidence among women leaders and broader recognition of their effectiveness, persistent stereotypes around technical competencies threaten to undermine progress toward inclusive leadership.
The report, titled Gender and Leadership: Navigating Bias, Opportunity and Change, surveyed 2,750 senior leaders across 11 countries and 10 sectors.
It found that 77% of respondents believe women are as effective as men in leadership roles, marking a significant shift from earlier trends where women often underestimated their capabilities.
Confidence levels between genders have also converged, with 58% of women and 59% of men citing self-confidence as a key strength.
Additionally, 68% of respondents agreed that having more women in leadership improves business performance.
These findings suggest a growing acceptance of gender parity in leadership effectiveness.
AI and Automation Viewed Through a Gendered Lens
However, the study reveals a troubling disconnect when it comes to perceptions of future-critical skills.
Nearly half of male respondents viewed competencies such as AI, automation, innovation, and data analysis as “inherently masculine.”
In contrast, most women saw these skills as gender-neutral, with over a third describing innovation as inherently feminine.
This perception gap is particularly concerning given the increasing importance of AI proficiency in leadership roles.
While three-quarters of leaders agree that AI skills are essential for career advancement, fewer than half—45% of women and 47% of men—consider these skills a personal strength.
This lack of confidence, combined with gendered assumptions, could hinder equal access to leadership opportunities.
Structural Barriers and Career Progression
The report also highlights broader structural challenges.
53% of women reported experiencing pay bias, and 39% said qualified women are often passed over for leadership roles.
Meanwhile, 40% of men admitted benefiting from gender-based advantages.
These figures underscore the systemic nature of workplace inequality and the role that unconscious bias continues to play in career progression.
Sarika Naik, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at Capgemini, emphasized the urgency of addressing these biases.
She said that as technologies such as AI continue to disrupt the business environment, leaders must equip themselves with the skills to shape the future of their function.
It is crucial to recognize that gender stereotypes distort perceptions of leadership and influence career trajectories.
Call for Inclusive Leadership Cultures
The study calls for targeted training, inclusive workplace cultures, and systematic interventions to counteract bias and promote equitable career advancement.
Sarika stressed that organizations must actively disrupt these stereotypes to build truly inclusive leadership pipelines.
The findings serve as a reminder that while progress has been made in recognizing women’s leadership capabilities, the path to equity remains uneven—especially as AI and other emerging technologies reshape the definition of leadership.
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