The dearth of women's leadership opportunities in the tech industry is nothing new. But what is—relatively—new is the advent of artificial intelligence, and it can be an important equalizer in the effort to advance women in tech, says Skillsoft Chief People Officer Ciara Harrington.

The digital learning provider recently released a report on the state of women's representation in tech—finding that more than 37% of women surveyed are looking for a new job. The reasons why? Management and compensation were big factors, as was a perceived lack of growth opportunities. In particular, women are craving more training around emerging tech like generative AI.

As generative AI becomes baked into Skillsoft's customer solutions, the organization is also having its employees "experiment like crazy" with it, Harrington says. Gen AI training can be an important differentiator for organizations looking to invest equally in all employees—an aim that Skillsoft also pursues through two robust internal women's groups and the recent expansion of paid parental leave to 12 weeks off, on top of short-term disability access for birthing parents, among other initiatives, she adds.