Gender Gaps in the AI Era

The Intersection of AI and Gender Inequality

In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global workforce, a troubling pattern emerges: women's bodies often become the ultimate sites for the exertion of force by men. This issue has gained urgency as AI replaces human labor in various sectors, leading to widespread job displacement and societal upheaval. As machines and algorithms take over tasks once performed by humans, the structure of labor is being redefined, and with it, the dynamics of power and vulnerability.

Historically, during times of societal disruption, women have often borne the brunt of instability. Whether due to colonization, pandemics, or technological advancements that rendered certain skills obsolete, the consequences have frequently fallen heavily on women. These periods, while distinct in their causes, share a common outcome: the redirection of male frustration and disempowerment toward women. This phenomenon highlights a deep-rooted pattern in which the loss of authority and employment leads to increased violence against women.

The colonial period serves as a poignant example, where the rise in domestic violence and practices like sati coincided with a time when authoritative men, unable to resist colonizers, sought control within their homes. Although the nature of conflict has evolved, the motive remains similar. Today, the struggle is not for territorial rule but for control over intelligence and knowledge. Those who control the production of knowledge and innovation hold the power to shape the world.

Controlling knowledge has always been crucial, especially after the advent of modernity. Colonial powers, such as the British, made significant efforts to shape the perspectives and mindsets of the people they colonized. This influence is evident in regions like South Asia, where the inferiority complex instilled by colonizers persists. The literature produced during this time not only imposed foreign ideologies but also shaped generational attitudes, reinforcing systems of internalized subjugation that continue today.

The COVID-19 pandemic further exemplifies this pattern. During the global health crisis, there was a noticeable increase in domestic violence. Unemployment, uncertainty, and fear affected everyone, but women bore a disproportionate burden. They were expected to manage households, raise children, and provide emotional labor without recognition or protection. The lockdowns and social isolation measures exacerbated these challenges, turning homes into invisible prisons for many women.

An integrative review of 38 studies confirmed a significant rise in domestic and intimate partner violence against women during the pandemic. This surge was attributed to economic hardship, social isolation, and the stress of lockdowns. Such findings underscore the vulnerability of women during global crises, revealing that the increase in violence was not confined to low- and middle-income countries but was also observed in nations with strict social distancing measures.

As AI continues to evolve, policies are struggling to keep pace with its development. There is a lack of adequate government training programs to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to adapt to this new landscape. The disconnect between technological advancement and workforce preparedness is widening, leaving millions uncertain about their future. Research indicates that AI-driven automation has already impacted labor markets, particularly in sectors like manufacturing and banking, leading to job losses.

This issue is now more pressing than ever. As AI displaces jobs and governments fail to create new opportunities, women at home are becoming increasingly vulnerable to violence. The silent implication is that when external systems fail, rage turns inward, targeting the most accessible and unprotected individuals—women. Researchers and advocacy groups warn that the rise in unemployment could lead to a significant increase in gender-based violence, particularly within the home.

The term "shadow pandemic" has been used to describe the hidden toll of violence against women during the pandemic. While public health and economic losses were addressed, the gendered impact remained largely unnoticed. There is a real risk that the AI revolution, if not carefully managed, could mirror this pattern. As more jobs are lost and households face strain, women may once again become the default targets for emotional and physical backlash.

To address this AI-driven inequality, policymakers must take immediate action. Focused efforts are needed to mitigate the negative effects of AI, which has become a necessary evil across all sectors of society. It is essential to educate the public about AI innovations and empower them with the skills to sustain their livelihoods in a world increasingly dominated by machines. Without inclusive policies, transparent innovation, and protective legislation, the digital future risks repeating the violence of past transitions, this time with more sophisticated tools but the same gendered consequences.

Only through comprehensive and inclusive approaches can we hope to create a future where innovation does not come at the cost of justice, safety, and dignity, especially for the most vulnerable.