A Euronews article by Anna Desmarais (24/05/2025) highlights a stark reality: women are three times more likely than men to lose their jobs to AI. As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, it poses particular challenges—and some opportunities—for women in the global workforce.

Gendered Impact of AI

Women represent nearly half of the global workforce but are overrepresented in sectors like administration, healthcare, education and retail—areas highly susceptible to AI-driven automation. According to Oxford Economics and Cisco, women in ASEAN countries face 1.8 times the risk of job displacement compared to men.

In administrative roles, where women hold 70% of jobs, AI systems increasingly handle data entry, scheduling, and document processing. Retail—also female-dominated—is seeing rapid automation through AI-powered inventory and checkout systems. Even in healthcare, where women make up 75% of the workforce, AI is beginning to take over diagnostics, patient monitoring, and administrative tasks.

Pathways to Adaptation

Despite displacement risks, AI is also creating new career paths. Roles in AI development, oversight, and support are on the rise. Accessible platforms like Coursera, edX, Google AI Education, and Microsoft AI School offer women opportunities to upskill and transition into tech-related fields.

AI can also empower female entrepreneurs by lowering startup costs and enabling access to global markets through digital tools.

Policy and Employer Responsibility

Governments must fund retraining programs that address women’s unique needs—such as flexible schedules and childcare support. Schools should encourage girls to pursue STEM, and cultural barriers must be dismantled.

Employers have a crucial role in ensuring AI doesn't reinforce gender inequality. This includes conducting gender impact assessments, offering reskilling opportunities and mitigating bias in AI-driven hiring systems.

Building a Fair AI Future

AI’s effect on women will depend on how society responds today. With inclusive planning, AI can become a force for gender equity—offering better job quality, fair pay and the flexibility many women need.

AI threatens job security in female-dominated sectors but also opens doors for empowerment and career growth. Proactive action from governments, employers and educators is essential to ensure that women are not left behind in the AI revolution.