Journal Press India^®

Author Details ( * ) denotes Corresponding author

Purpose: The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming teaching, research, administration, and leadership across higher education. This study explores how AI-driven transformation influences women’s professional advancement and examines the emerging challenges and opportunities shaping progress toward gender equity in academic institutions.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Using a systematic review of national and international scholarship, this paper synthesizes research on women’s academic careers, digital innovation, and AI integration. Integrating global and regional perspectives, it develops a conceptual framework explaining how AI-related changes affect career mobility, digital competence, research productivity, leadership representation, and institutional participation.

Findings: The analysis shows that AI adoption alone does not ensure equitable outcomes. Women’s advancement depends on inclusive institu-tional policies, representative leadership, equitable access to digital training and research funding, and ethical governance frameworks. Without gender-responsive strategies, AI systems risk reinforcing existing inequalities. While AI creates opportunities for flexible work models, interdisciplinary colla-boration, and global engagement, structural and cultural barriers persist.

Research Limitations: As a review-based study, conclusions are limited by the scope of available literature. Empirical research examining the inter-section of AI, gender, and professional development remains limited across diverse socio-economic and regional contexts, underscoring the need for intersectional and context-sensitive inquiry.

Managerial Implications: Higher education institutions should integrate measurable gender equity indicators into AI governance, promotion criteria, and leadership pathways, supported by AI literacy programs, mentorship, targeted funding, and transparent oversight.

Originality/Value: This study connects AI-driven transformation with women’s professional development, identifying strategic pathways toward equitable academic futures.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence, Women Academics, Professional Development, Gender Inclusion and Equity, and Higher Education

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