As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries and automates tasks at lightning speed, a new global study has uncovered a troubling truth: Women are three times more likely than men to lose their jobs to AI.The study, conducted by the International Labour Organization (ILO), a United Nations agency, shows that this fast-moving wave of automation isn’t hitting everyone equally— and women are bearing the brunt of it.The numbers tell a stark storyIn wealthier countries, around 10% of jobs held by women are at high risk of being replaced by AI. In contrast, only 3.5% of male-held jobs fall into that category. This isn’t just about automation—it’s about widening the gender gap in the workplace.So, what’s behind this imbalance?The jobs most at riskAccording to the ILO, AI is especially likely to replace clerical and administrative roles—jobs like typists, data entry clerks, bookkeepers, and even some financial analysts and software developers. These positions are often repetitive, rule-based, and highly digitized, making them ideal targets for tools like generative AI.And guess what? These roles are mostly held by women.“Clerical jobs face the highest exposure of all,” says the ILO report. Senior economist Janine Berg adds, “We need clarity and context—not just AI hype—so countries can prepare their labor markets for a fairer future.”It’s not just low-level jobs anymoreWhat’s even more concerning is that AI is starting to creep into higher-skilled fields too. Jobs in software, finance, and media—once considered safe from automation—are now at risk because of how digital and data-driven they’ve become.That means even women in high-paying, cognitively demanding roles aren’t safe from the impact of AI.
The gender gap is growing
Jobs that are relatively safe from AI—like cleaners, dentists, performers, and sanitation workers—are less likely to be held by women. This creates a dangerous imbalance that could widen existing gaps in pay, employment, and career advancement.Marek Troszyński, co-author of the ILO study, highlights the importance of this research: “This tool helps identify where GenAI will have the biggest impact, so countries can prepare and protect workers.”
A call for smarter policies
The ILO is urging governments, employers, and labor organizations to take action—now. The goal? To make sure AI helps improve job quality and productivity without leaving women behind.
Tech isn’t neutral— And neither should our response be
At the heart of this study is a powerful message: AI doesn’t work in a vacuum. It reflects and amplifies existing social structures—including biases.If we don’t act now, AI could deepen inequality in the workforce. But with smart, inclusive policies and proactive planning, we can shape a future where technology supports equity—not exclusion.The bottom lineThe AI revolution is here, and it’s changing how we work. The real question is: Will we let it deepen the gender divide, or will we use it to build a more inclusive world of work?The answer depends on what we do next.
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