Men in Ireland are more than twice as likely as women to use advanced digital skills in their jobs, according to new research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) in partnership with the Block W joint research programme.
The findings were released to coincide with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and highlight significant disparities in how digital expertise is used across the workforce.
The study shows that Ireland has the widest gender gap in advanced digital skill use across Europe. Around 44% of men report using advanced digital skills in their roles, compared with just 18% of women, which is a 26-percentage-point difference that is almost double the European average.
Advanced digital skills include activities such as programming, artificial intelligence tools, machine learning, and IT systems management, while basic skills include everyday tasks like internet use and spreadsheets.
Researchers found women are significantly under-represented in the most digitally intensive roles. While gender differences are smaller in less digital jobs, the gap widens sharply in high-intensity roles, creating what researchers describe as a digital glass ceiling.
Importantly, the disparity cannot be explained solely by education, occupation, or sector. Even when women and men have similar qualifications and work in comparable roles, women are still less likely to use advanced digital skills in their jobs.
The research also reveals that the gap is not primarily due to women lagging behind their European counterparts. Instead, men in Ireland are far more likely to use advanced digital skills than men in other countries: 44% compared with a European average of 32%.
Contrary to expectations, the gender divide is not confined to older generations. Younger women face even larger gaps in digital skill use, suggesting the issue is not simply a legacy problem that will disappear over time.
The study suggests that increasing women’s participation in STEM education alone will not close the gap. Researchers point to workplace structures, including how digital responsibilities and progression opportunities are allocated, as an important area requiring further investigation.
For adult learners and professionals, the findings highlight the importance of equitable access to advanced digital training and career pathways. As digital technologies continue to shape the workplace, expanding opportunities for women to develop and apply advanced skills will be critical to building a balanced and future-ready workforce.
For those looking to strengthen their digital capabilities, flexible and accessible training options, including part-time and evening learning, can play an important role in helping more people gain the skills needed to thrive in increasingly tech-driven careers.
