The gendered impact of AI job losses – and what we can all do about it

A recent report by the United Nations’ International Labour Organization (ILO) has brought a sobering truth to light: jobs traditionally held by women are significantly more vulnerable to disruption from artificial intelligence than those held by men – especially in high-income countries where automation is advancing rapidly.

The report found that 9.6% of female-dominated roles are likely to be transformed by AI, compared to just 3.5% of male-dominated roles. This disparity is largely due to the nature of tasks most at risk. AI is increasingly capable of taking over routine, repetitive functions – particularly in administrative and clerical roles such as secretarial work, data entry and scheduling – all of which have historically employed large numbers of women.

This trend raises important questions about equality, opportunity and the future of work. If left unchecked, there’s a risk that AI could deepen existing gender inequalities, disproportionately affecting women’s employment prospects and economic security.

Yet despite the headlines, the picture is not one of inevitable decline. The ILO is clear: AI is more likely to reshape jobs than replace them entirely. Many roles will evolve, not disappear – and in most cases, human judgement, creativity and empathy will remain irreplaceable. In fact, when implemented thoughtfully, AI could become a catalyst for improving working conditions, raising productivity and freeing people from tedious or repetitive tasks.

The challenge – and opportunity – now lies in how we prepare. For individuals, it’s about learning new skills and embracing flexibility. For employers, it’s about redesigning roles and investing in training. And for society at large, it’s about ensuring that the gains from AI are widely and fairly distributed.

So what can we do – as individuals, employers, and policymakers – to protect ourselves and shape a future where AI enhances human work rather than replacing it?

1. Invest in human-centric skills

AI thrives at tasks that are structured, repetitive or data-heavy – but it struggles with what makes us human. Skills like empathy, creativity, communication, leadership and problem-solving are increasingly valuable and much harder to automate.

Practical tip: Take a course in emotional intelligence, join a public speaking group or volunteer for a cross-functional project at work to sharpen your communication and collaboration skills. These are future-proof assets in any role.

2. Get comfortable working with AI

Rather than seeing AI as a threat, treat it as a tool you need to master. Becoming AI-literate can make your work more efficient and open up new possibilities in your current role.

Practical tip: Start with everyday tools – experiment with platforms like ChatGPT for drafting content, Notion AI for organising tasks or Zapier for automating workflows. The goal is to build confidence and spot opportunities to streamline your day-to-day work.

3. Support inclusive career transitions

AI disruption is not evenly distributed. Women in admin-heavy roles face a greater risk of being left behind. We must ensure these workers have access to future-facing opportunities that align with their skills and interests.

Practical tip (for individuals and leaders): Encourage mentoring schemes, fund training in areas like digital marketing, UX/UI design or project management and promote flexible career pathways into roles in tech, sustainability, product, operations or strategy – where demand is growing and AI is a complement, not a replacement.

4. Advocate for smarter policies

AI adoption shouldn't come at the cost of fairness. Businesses, governments and workers' organisations must help shape policies that ensure technological progress benefits everyone.

Practical tip: If you're in a position of influence, champion workplace policies around reskilling, flexible work, pay transparency and impact assessments for automation. As a citizen, stay informed and support initiatives or leaders prioritising ethical AI use and worker protections.

5. Diversify your career portfolio

Don’t put all your eggs in one professional basket. Career resilience comes from staying curious and open to change – especially if your current role relies heavily on tasks AI could soon handle.

Practical tip: Start a side project, enrol in a part-time course, or take on stretch assignments that expose you to different functions. Explore fields where human creativity, judgement or strategy are key – such as branding, business development, innovation or customer experience.

AI is not the end of work – it’s the beginning of a new chapter. With foresight and action, we can ensure it becomes a force for inclusion, growth and progress – not division or displacement. Let’s build a future of work that puts human potential front and centre.