AI threatens women's jobs three times more than men's, as per United Nations report
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business Recorder
Marka-e-Haq 14th August Youm-e-Azaadi: Message from Khawaja M. Asif, Federal Minister for Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
I felicitate the entire Pakistani nation on the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan. This day marks the culmination of the historic political struggle of the Muslims of the subcontinent to establish a sovereign homeland. The creation of Pakistan through a peaceful and democratic struggle marks an unprecedented and unparalleled chapter in history. On this day, we pay homage to leaders and workers of the Pakistan movement as well as our forefathers who rendered innumerable sacrifices for Pakistan. Today, we need to set aside our differences and work committedly for the unity, integrity, and economic stability of the country in the face of current challenges. Our country has been blessed with abundant human and natural resources and it is our responsibility to utilize these for the welfare of our people. We reaffirm our moral, political, and diplomatic support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their just struggle for the right to self-determination, in accordance with the United Nations resolutions. Their courage and resilience in the face of adversity remains an inspiration to us all. Today, we pay a heartfelt tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces for their decisive and valiant response during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos. Pakistan's valiant response in broad daylight to India's cowardly aggression, and the military's swift and resolute action in the face of provocation, will be remembered in history as a chapter written in golden letters. In a rapidly changing global security environment, Pakistan's Defence capabilities continue to strengthen, ensuring peace through preparedness and unwavering vigilance. As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us renew our pledge to work together for a stronger, more prosperous, and peaceful Pakistan. Our unity, resilience, and commitment to nation building will continue to guide us towards a brighter future. Pakistan Zindabad Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
Israel unveils new West Bank settlement plan
Photo: Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attends an inauguration event for Israel's new light rail line for the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, in Petah Tikva, Israel, August 17, 2023/Reuters Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that work would start on a long-delayed settlement that would divide the West Bank and cut it off from East Jerusalem, a move his office said would "bury" the idea of a Palestinian state. The Palestinian government, allies and campaign groups condemned the scheme, calling it illegal and saying the fragmentation of territory would rip up peace plans for the region. Standing at the site of the planned settlement in Maale Adumim on Thursday, Smotrich, a settler himself, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump had agreed to the revival of the E1 development, though there was no immediate confirmation from either. "Whoever in the world is trying to recognise a Palestinian state today will receive our answer on the ground. Not with documents nor with decisions or statements, but with facts. Facts of houses, facts of neighbourhoods," Smotrich said. Asked about his remarks, a US State Department spokesperson said: "A stable West Bank keeps Israel secure and is in line with this administration's goal to achieve peace in the region," and referred reporters to Israel's government for further information. The spokesperson said Washington remained primarily focused on ending the war in Gaza. The United Nations urged Israel to reverse its decision to start work on the settlement. "It would put an end to prospects of a two-state solution," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters. "Settlements go against international law (and) further entrench the occupation." Israel froze construction plans at Maale Adumim in 2012, and again after they were revived in 2020, amid objections from the US, European allies and other powers who considered the project a threat to any future peace deal with the Palestinians. Restarting the project could further isolate Israel, which has watched some of its Western allies condemn its military offensive in Gaza and announce they may recognise a Palestinian state. Palestinians fear the settlement building in the West Bank - which has sharply intensified - will rob them of any chance to build a state of their own in the area. In a statement headlined "Burying the idea of a Palestinian state," Smotrich's spokesperson said the minister had approved the plan to build 3,401 houses for Israeli settlers between an existing settlement in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the Palestinian president's spokesperson, called on the United States to pressure Israel to stop settlement building. "The EU rejects any territorial change that is not part of a political agreement between involved parties. So annexation of territory is illegal under international law," European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper said. Palestinians were already demoralised by the Israeli military campaign which has killed more than 61,000 people in Gaza, according to local health authorities, and fear Israel will ultimately push them out of that territory. About 700,000 Israeli settlers live among 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel annexed East Jerusalem in 1980, a move not recognised by most countries, but has not formally extended sovereignty over the West Bank.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business Recorder
Iran FM says ‘working with China and Russia' to stop European sanctions
TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday his country was working with China and Russia to prevent the snapback of European sanctions over Tehran's nuclear programme after Britain, France and Germany threatened to reimpose them. 'We will try to prevent it,' the top diplomat said in an interview with state TV. 'We are working with China and Russia to stop it. If this does not work and they apply it, we have tools to respond. We will discuss them in due course.' The trio of European powers told the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday that they were ready to reimpose sanctions on Tehran if no diplomatic solution was found by the end of August. All three were signatories to a 2015 deal that lifted sanctions in return for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme. Europeans to test Iran's appetite for nuclear compromise as sanctions loom The agreement, which terminates in October, includes a 'snapback mechanism' allowing sanctions to be restored. 'If Iran continues to violate its international obligations, France and its German and British partners will reimpose the global embargoes on arms, nuclear equipment and banking restrictions that were lifted 10 years ago at the end of August,' French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on X on Wednesday. The 2015 deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, effectively collapsed after US President Donald Trump withdrew from it in 2018 during his first term and restored crippling sanctions. European countries attempted to keep the deal alive, while Iran initially stuck to the terms before later ramping up its uranium enrichment. Earlier this year, the United States joined Israel in bombing Iran's nuclear facilities. Israel launched its attacks while Washington and Tehran were still pursuing nuclear talks, which have not since resumed. Western powers have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a charge the Iranian government strongly denies.
