UN report finds AI threatens women's jobs three times more than mens's

The report was released by UN's International Labour Organisation.

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Women are nearly three times more likely than men to have their jobs automated by artificial intelligence (AI), according to a new report from the United Nations’ International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Poland’s National Research Institute (NASK).

The report, released May 20, highlights the disproportionate impact AI-driven automation is expected to have on women’s roles in the workplace, especially in higher-income countries.

It found that about 9.6% of women’s jobs in these countries face a high risk of AI automation, compared to just 3.5% of men’s jobs. Globally, around 25% of jobs are potentially exposed to generative AI technologies, rising to 34% in wealthier nations.

Clerical and administrative positions, where women make up the vast majority, are particularly vulnerable.

In the United States, between 93% and 97% of secretarial and administrative assistant roles were held by women from 2000 to 2019, according to US Census Bureau data.

These roles rank among the most common jobs for women, making AI’s impact on these positions a significant concern.

The report does not include caretaker roles such as health aides, which typically involve emotional labour and are considered less susceptible to AI automation.

Experts emphasise that the report does not claim AI will completely eliminate clerical or entry-level jobs but identifies roles where AI can take on certain tasks, signalling where workers and employers should prepare for change.

“This index helps identify where generative AI is likely to have the biggest impact, so countries can better prepare and protect workers,” said Marek Troszyński, senior expert at NASK.

Rembrand Koning, associate professor at Harvard Business School, advocates for viewing AI as a tool for augmentation rather than solely a threat.

“AI can automate routine tasks, enabling workers to focus on higher-paying or more complex activities,” he revealed in the report.

However, Koning’s research reveals a gender gap in AI adoption. Women use AI tools at a rate approximately 25% lower than men, partly due to concerns about the ethics of AI and fears of being perceived as cheating or less competent by colleagues.

“Men tend to be more confident, even overconfident, about the benefits of using AI,” Koning said.

He emphasises that workplace leaders must foster inclusive environments where all employees feel comfortable adopting AI technologies. “It’s the job of a leader to bring everybody in,” Koning said.

As AI continues reshaping the workforce, ensuring equitable access and support for women will be crucial to safeguarding their careers amid this technological transition.