Experts are raising alarms about the potential for Artificial Intelligence (AI) to exacerbate gender inequality in India, a country already struggling to close the gender gap. As AI becomes increasingly integral to various sectors, there is a growing concern that women may be sidelined from decision-making processes and the benefits AI offers.
India's position on the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Gender Gap Index 2026 is telling. Ranked 131st, it lags behind its neighbors, with only Pakistan scoring lower. The WEF estimates that complete global gender parity is still 120 years away, while Southern Asia could take 149 years at its current pace. While it did not give any individual estimate for India, it could be around 149-150 years for the country, as its parity score of 64.5 per cent equals that of South Asia and is below the global average of 69.2 per cent.
Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director at Population Foundation of India, emphasized the gap between policy ambitions and the reality of women's economic participation. Despite progress in education for girls, these advancements have not translated into economic empowerment or leadership roles for women. Muttreja advocates for increased investment in women's economic independence, safety, and equal opportunities.
Dr. Seema Bhaskaran, a Gender Expert at Transform Rural India, stressed the importance of involving women in AI's design and development. She warned against relegating women to roles as mere beneficiaries or victims of AI misuse. This sentiment is echoed by Silja Baller, Director of Economic Inclusion at the WEF, who noted that women are underrepresented in core technical roles within the AI economy, often confined to lower-paid positions.
Muttreja highlighted the risk of AI reinforcing existing gender inequalities, particularly as biased algorithms could perpetuate discrimination against women from marginalized communities. She called for equipping more women with advanced digital and AI skills and ensuring AI systems are tested for gender bias.
Despite women constituting 40-43% of STEM graduates in India, their representation in AI remains low. Bhaskaran pointed out that this could lead to the development of gender-biased algorithms, further limiting opportunities for women in the tech sector.
Yet, there is a glimmer of hope. Baller suggested that the AI economy is still in its formative stages, and the decisions made today could pave the way for a more gender-equal future. However, Muttreja cautioned that economic growth alone won't ensure gender equality. It must be accompanied by investments in women's education, workforce participation, and political representation.
India faces the challenge of translating progress in education and health into economic gains for women. Deep-rooted social norms, unpaid care responsibilities, and gender-based violence continue to constrain women's freedoms and choices. Bhaskaran emphasized the need for stronger legal mechanisms to combat violence against women and called for location-specific programs to address social and cultural diversity.
