A recent report by the United Nations’ International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights a concerning trend: women’s jobs are significantly more vulnerable to automation by artificial intelligence (AI) than men’s. In high-income countries, approximately 9.6% of jobs held by women are at high risk of automation, compared to just 3.5% for men. Futurism
🧾 Why Are Women’s Jobs More at Risk?
The disparity stems from the types of roles predominantly occupied by women. Positions in administrative support, customer service, and clerical work—fields where women are overrepresented—are particularly susceptible to AI-driven automation. These roles often involve routine tasks that AI systems can efficiently perform.
🌍 Global Implications
The ILO’s findings indicate that the risk is not uniform across all regions. In Europe and Central Asia, for instance, 39% of women’s jobs could be affected by AI, compared to 26% of men’s. This suggests that without targeted interventions, AI could exacerbate existing gender inequalities in the workforce.
🛠️ Mitigating the Impact
To address this imbalance, experts recommend:
- Reskilling Programs: Providing training for women to transition into roles less susceptible to automation, such as those in STEM fields.
- Inclusive AI Development: Ensuring that AI systems are designed and implemented with diversity and inclusion in mind.
- Policy Interventions: Governments and organizations should enact policies that protect vulnerable workers and promote gender equality in the evolving job market.