Up to 180 million women’s jobs at risk due to automation: IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and automation, could eradicate as many as 180 million jobs for women globally.
During a forum in Bali, Indonesia, IMF President Christine Lagarde highlighted the need for policies to equip women workers with the required skills, close gender gaps in leadership positions, and bridge the digital gender divide.
Lagarde also noted the importance of investing in human capital, particularly in Asia, given the region’s fast-growing population.
As discussed today with parliamentarians at the #IMFMeetings, investing in #HumanCapital is particularly relevant in Asia, given the fast-growing young population. We are contributing to this investment with advice on reducing inequality, tackling corruption & empowering women pic.twitter.com/UcJcnLaU6q
— Christine Lagarde (@Lagarde) 9 October 2018
An IMF study showed that female workers perform more tasks that are routine and fewer tasks requiring analytical and interpersonal skills, implying that women are more at risk of being replaced by automation than men.
In 30 countries alone, including 28 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development member countries such as Cyprus and Singapore, the IMF said the current state of technology puts about 54 million workers at high risk of being displaced by technology within the next two decades.
