“AI is probably the most important thing humanity has ever worked on. It is more profound than electricity or fire.” – Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet and Google
As AI reshapes opportunity
Generative AI is transforming the pace and nature of work, creating seismic shifts across Asia Pacific. In India alone, half of today’s fastest growing jobs did not exist at the turn of the millennium. As routine tasks are automated, human traits such as judgement, trust and empathy are becoming central to workplace value.As AI disrupts women’s roles
Despite its promise, AI’s impact is uneven. In India, 80 percent of women work in roles prone to AI disruption compared to 75 percent of men. These roles cluster in technology, retail, finance and media. Many women feel unprepared for rapid change, with only two in ten confident about adapting to the evolving demands.As AI amplifies doubt
Studies show 41 percent of women question their suitability for new roles during disruption. Their hesitation is not rooted in lack of ability but in undervaluation of strategic and collaborative skills. These very skills, including leadership and critical thinking, are emerging as essential in an AI driven workplace.As AI enables skills first hiring
A shift toward skills first hiring is helping widen access to opportunity. In India, 78 percent of recruiters are adopting this approach, opening doors for women who may have been overlooked due to traditional job titles or past qualifications. It balances the hiring landscape and shapes a more inclusive workforce.As AI demands inclusive action
Ensuring women participate in designing and leading the future of work requires decisive steps from governments, businesses and educators. Access to mentorship, sponsorship and safe workplace environments will be vital as economies navigate AI driven change.
Summary
AI is changing work dramatically and unevenly, placing women at greater risk of disruption. Skills first hiring, stronger confidence building and inclusive policies can help ensure women benefit from AI powered growth rather than being left behind.
Food for thought
How can India strengthen women’s confidence and visibility in fast evolving AI driven sectors?
AI concept to learn: AI and Genders
AI’s impact on genders is both transformative and complex. On one hand,
AI can empower women and gender minorities by creating new career
opportunities, improving access to education, healthcare, and financial
services, and enabling flexible work through digital platforms. On the
other hand, AI systems often replicate gender biases present in training
data, leading to discrimination in hiring, credit scoring, or online
visibility. Women remain underrepresented in AI research and leadership,
limiting diverse perspectives in design. To ensure equitable impact, AI
development must prioritize gender-sensitive data, inclusive
participation, and ethical frameworks that promote fairness,
representation, and empowerment for all genders.
[The Billion Hopes Research Team shares the latest AI updates for learning and awareness. Various sources are used. All copyrights acknowledged. This is not a professional, financial, personal or medical advice. Please consult domain experts before making decisions. Feedback welcome!]
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