Artificial intelligence could potentially displace women's occupations. - Artificial Intelligence Poses a Menace to Women's Professional Sector
AI's Impact on Women's Jobs: Study Highlights Gender Disparities
A study conducted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Polish National Research Institute (NASK) reveals significant differences in the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on women's and men's jobs in the labor market.
The research indicates that women, particularly those in high-income countries, face a higher risk of their jobs being replaced or significantly altered by AI compared to men. In high-income countries, about 9.6% of female-dominated jobs are at high risk of automation, while only 3.5% of male-dominated jobs face the same risk.
Globally, the study shows that approximately 41% of women's jobs in high-income countries could be influenced by AI, compared to 28% for men. This gender disparity is also present in Europe and Central Asia, with 39% of women's jobs and 26% of men's jobs being at risk.
The study suggests that administrative jobs, which have a high proportion of female employees, are the most likely to be affected by AI. Between 2000 and 2019, over 90% of secretarial and administrative positions were held by women, according to the US Census Bureau.
The research further reveals that jobs with a higher emphasis on data processing and statistics are more susceptible to AI automation. In contrast, jobs requiring emotional skills and human creativity are less vulnerable.
While the impact of AI on jobs is a concern for everyone, the study's authors suggest that using AI can make work easier and improve an individual's technological competence. As technological change affects everyone differently, the authors also emphasize the importance of proactive policies to enhance productivity and job quality in sectors exposed to AI.
In summary, the study shows that women's jobs, especially in high-income countries, are more vulnerable to AI automation compared to men's jobs. However, the study's findings do not suggest a massive job loss but rather a transformation of jobs that necessitates inclusive strategies to prepare workers for the changes AI may bring.
- To mitigate the potential job transformation due to AI, it might be beneficial to consider implementing community policies that focus on vocational training, particularly in areas such as science, health-and-wellness, and technology, to equip women with the skills needed to thrive in a more automated workforce.
- Given the substantial influence of AI on jobs, it's essential to integrate artificial intelligence education and awareness into vocational training programs, especially for women, as jobs with a higher emphasis on data processing and statistics are more susceptible to AI automation.
- As the study shows that women's jobs, particularly in high-income countries, are more vulnerable to AI automation, investing in women's education and training in high-demand, less-automated sectors such as art and design could help minimize gender disparities while ensuring economic stability for women in the ever-evolving workforce.
