The rise of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is poised to reshape the global workforce, but a latest report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) warns that the impact won’t be felt equally. Women, the report finds, are significantly more likely to see their jobs affected by this rapidly evolving technology than men, raising concerns about widening gender disparities in the labor market. The ILO’s research highlights a complex interplay of factors, from occupational segregation to underrepresentation in STEM fields, that place women at greater risk of displacement and limit their access to emerging opportunities.
The ILO’s research brief, Gen AI, occupational segregation and gender equality in the world of work, released this week, reveals that approximately 29 percent of jobs predominantly held by women are exposed to GenAI, compared to just 16 percent of those dominated by men. This disparity is even more pronounced when considering the highest-risk categories for automation, where 16 percent of female-dominated occupations face potential disruption, versus only 3 percent of male-dominated roles. This growing concern about women’s workplace risks from generative AI is prompting calls for proactive measures to mitigate potential negative consequences.
The core of the issue, according to the ILO, lies in occupational segregation. Women are heavily concentrated in administrative and clerical roles – positions like secretaries, receptionists, and payroll clerks – where tasks are often routine and easily automated by GenAI. Conversely, men are more frequently employed in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and manual trades, where tasks are generally less susceptible to automation. This existing imbalance means that the introduction of GenAI is likely to exacerbate existing inequalities, potentially leading to job losses and reduced opportunities for women.
Unequal Access to the AI Revolution
The challenges extend beyond the risk of automation. The report also points to a significant underrepresentation of women in the fields driving the AI revolution – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Globally, women accounted for only around 30 percent of the AI workforce in 2022, a marginal increase of just 4 percentage points since 2016. This lack of representation not only limits women’s access to the new, high-growth jobs being created by GenAI but also raises concerns about bias in the development and deployment of these technologies.
“Generative AI is not entering a neutral labour market,” explained Anam Butt, a co-author of the ILO research. “Discriminatory social norms, unequal care responsibilities and economic and labour market policies continue to shape who enters which occupations and on what terms.” In other words that women are not only more vulnerable to job displacement but also less likely to benefit from the potential economic gains offered by AI.
The Risk of Biased AI Systems
The ILO report emphasizes that AI systems are not inherently neutral. They are designed, trained, and deployed within existing social and economic structures, and as such, can perpetuate and even amplify existing biases. AI systems trained on incomplete or biased data have already demonstrated the potential to disadvantage women in areas such as recruitment, pay decisions, credit scoring, and access to essential services. This risk is particularly acute for women facing multiple forms of discrimination, including those based on race, ethnicity, disability, or migration status.
The potential for bias isn’t merely a theoretical concern. AI algorithms used in hiring processes, for example, have been shown to favor male candidates, even when qualifications are equal. Similarly, facial recognition technology has demonstrated inaccuracies when identifying individuals with darker skin tones, highlighting the need for careful consideration of data sets and algorithmic design.
Policy Responses and the Future of Work
The ILO stresses that the primary impact of GenAI is likely to be on the quality of jobs, rather than simply the quantity. While automation may lead to some job displacement, GenAI also has the potential to change tasks, intensify workloads, and increase monitoring. However, the report argues that with responsible design and implementation, GenAI can also improve working conditions, enhance productivity, and support work-life balance.
“The choices made today will determine whether GenAI becomes a force for greater equality or one that entrenches existing gaps,” the report notes. Embedding gender equality into the design, deployment, and governance of GenAI is crucial, alongside efforts to tackle occupational segregation and expand women’s access to skills and training in AI-related fields. Strong labor market institutions and social dialogue – involving governments, employers, and workers – are essential to ensuring a just transition.
Janine Berg, a senior economist at the ILO and co-author of the report, emphasized that the impact of GenAI on women’s jobs is not predetermined. “With the right policies, social dialogue and gender-responsive design, we can avert reinforcing existing discrimination.”
The ILO will continue to monitor the evolving impact of GenAI on the labor market and provide guidance to policymakers and stakeholders. The next major update from the ILO on this topic is expected in the first quarter of 2027, following a broader assessment of the technology’s impact across multiple countries and sectors.
This report serves as a critical reminder that technological advancements, while offering immense potential, must be carefully managed to ensure they benefit all members of society. Share your thoughts on the implications of this report in the comments below.
