AI and Job Displacement: Are Women at Greater Risk?

Image Source : Euronews

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.