Generative artificial intelligence is currently reshaping the global world of work by boosting productivity and supporting new job creation. However, a recent research brief Gen AI, occupational segregation and gender equality in the world of work, from the International Labour Organization (ILO) warns that these impacts are not gender-neutral. Specifically, Generative AI is set to affect women’s jobs much more significantly than those held by their male counterparts. Female-dominated occupations are almost twice as likely to be exposed to this rapidly evolving technology than male-dominated ones.
The ILO findings prove that Generative AI is not entering a neutral or equal global labour market today. Instead, it interacts with deep-seated occupational segregation that has historically pushed women into more routine and administrative functions. If we do not address the lack of female representation in STEM, the AI revolution will exacerbate gender inequality. Enterprises will also lose out on essential diversity and innovation if they continue to exclude women from AI roles. We must reorient our labour policies to ensure that technological progress does not leave half the population behind.
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The Reality of Occupational Segregation
Women are disproportionately exposed to GenAI because they are overrepresented in roles that are most susceptible to digital automation. Around 29 per cent of female-dominated occupations face exposure compared to only 16 per cent for male-dominated roles. Furthermore, 16 per cent of women’s jobs fall into high-risk categories while only 3 per cent of men’s do. These risks are tied to clerical and administrative positions, such as secretaries and accounting assistants, which are easily codified. In contrast, men dominate manual trades like construction and manufacturing where tasks are currently much harder to automate.
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Barriers to the New AI Economy
While GenAI drives growth in technology sectors, women remain largely excluded from these high-demand and lucrative employment opportunities. Globally, women accounted for only about 30 per cent of the total AI workforce as of the year 2022. Moreover, they remain significantly underrepresented in broader STEM fields like engineering and software development across most analyzed countries. When women are missing from decision-making roles, AI systems often reproduce the gender biases embedded in our societies. Consequently, women face higher risks of job substitution but have fewer opportunities to benefit from the technological shift.
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Q&A Section
Q: Which countries show the highest exposure for women in the workforce?
A: In 88 per cent of countries, women are more exposed to GenAI than men, especially in the United Kingdom.
Q: Why are clerical roles considered “high-risk” for Generative AI?
A: Tasks in these roles are often routine and codifiable, making them very easy for AI systems to substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a difference in AI exposure between high-income and low-income countries?
Yes, 41 per cent of jobs in high-income countries are exposed compared to just 11 per cent in low-income nations.
What percentage of the AI workforce is currently female?
As of 2022, women made up only about 30 per cent of the global artificial intelligence workforce.
How do discriminatory social norms affect this technological shift?
Social norms and unequal care responsibilities often shape which occupations women enter and the terms of their employment.
