Gender-Responsive Pedagogies in AI-Powered Learning Environments

How can we build inclusive and equitable learning environments in the AI era? As AI adoption in education accelerates, it reshapes the organization of educational systems, pedagogical approaches, and the use of learning tools. UNESCO’s AI competency frameworks for teachers and learners emphasize the need for AI tools that prioritize human-centered principles, equity, inclusivity, and ethical governance. Despite AI’s potential benefits in teaching and learning, systemic gender inequalities and gaps remain: women represent only a fraction of AI researchers, faculty, and leaders in AI-related positions, and a gender gap in generative AI usage has already been observed. These disparities highlight two major challenges: first, ensuring that pedagogies and educational tools do not perpetuate biases or widen existing gaps; and second, fostering AI literacy and AI skills for women and underrepresented groups. How can we develop gender-responsive standards and frameworks that specifically consider gender implications in creating learning content and learning solutions that use generative AI? Applying the United Nations Gender Equality Markers (GEM) offers a roadmap for integrating gender considerations across the learning design and the AI powered learning technologies lifecycle—from initial design and data collection to development, implementation and evaluation. By incorporating gender-responsive principles and leveraging practical tools and checklists, stakeholders can work collectively to create educational and technological solutions that reflect varied experiences and diversity. This workshop will bring together learning design and gender experts to explore potential futures, fostering guidelines and methodologies for gender mainstreaming in AI-powered learning environments.