AI and Job Displacement: Are Women at Greater Risk?

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, concerns about job displacement have intensified, particularly regarding its impact on women in the workforce. Recent studies indicate that AI-driven automation disproportionately affects roles traditionally held by women, raising questions about the future of employment and gender equity.  

Key Trends in AI-Driven Job Displacement  
- The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports that nearly 10 percent of women’s jobs in high-income countries are highly exposed to AI-driven automation, compared to 3.5 percent for men  
- Clerical, administrative, and routine-based roles—where women are overrepresented—face the highest risk of automation  
- AI is increasingly encroaching on higher-skilled professions, including finance, software development, and media, further widening the gender gap  
- While AI adoption is accelerating, women are less likely to engage with AI tools in the workplace, potentially affecting career progression  

Factors Driving the Disparity  
- Women are more likely to hold jobs that involve repetitive, rule-based tasks, making them prime candidates for AI replacement  
- Workplace biases and concerns about AI usage contribute to lower adoption rates among women, limiting their ability to leverage AI for career advancement  
- The STEM gap continues to affect women’s representation in AI-related fields, reducing opportunities for leadership roles in emerging technologies  
- AI-driven hiring algorithms, if not properly regulated, may reinforce existing gender biases in recruitment and promotions  

Future Outlook and Industry Response  
- Policymakers and industry leaders are urged to implement inclusive AI strategies that promote workforce reskilling and equitable job transitions  
- AI can be leveraged to reduce hiring biases and create new opportunities for women in technology-driven roles  
- Governments and corporations are exploring initiatives to integrate AI education into workforce development programs, ensuring broader participation  
- The evolving AI landscape presents both challenges and opportunities, requiring proactive measures to mitigate gender disparities in employment  

Source : International Labour Organization, World Economic Forum, Moneycontrol.