AI disruption to hit women’s jobs harder, says ILO report

Jobs traditionally held by women are at greater risk of disruption from AI than those typically held by men, according to a new report released by the United Nations’ International Labour Organization (ILO).

The report highlighted that 9.6% of jobs typically performed by women—particularly in administrative and clerical roles—are likely to be significantly transformed by AI, compared to just 3.5% of male-dominated jobs. This trend is particularly evident in high-income countries where women are disproportionately represented in tasks vulnerable to automation.

The findings underscore the growing impact of generative AI (GenAI) in reshaping the nature of work, particularly as it assumes more administrative tasks. Roles such as secretarial and clerical work are among those most exposed, the report said.

“Such exposure does not imply the immediate automation of an entire occupation, but rather the potential for a large share of its current tasks to be performed using this technology,” the ILO noted.

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Despite the risks, the report clarified that AI is more likely to radically change job functions rather than eliminate them entirely. Human involvement will remain essential in many roles, especially where tasks require interpersonal skills, complex decision-making, or ethical judgment.

In addition to administrative positions, the report pointed to media, software development, and finance as sectors undergoing rapid transformation due to the expansion of GenAI.

Calling for proactive action, the ILO urged governments, employers, and worker organisations to engage in discussions on how AI can be harnessed to improve both productivity and quality of work. The report advocates for a people-centred approach to the adoption of AI, emphasising the importance of training, reskilling, and inclusive policies to ensure the benefits of the technology are widely shared, reported Reuters.