Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is poised too reshape teh global job market, but its impact may not be evenly distributed. A recent report by the International Labor Organization (ILO) reveals that more than a third of jobs in wealthy nations are exposed to generative AI. The report, issued last tuesday from the Geneva-based organization, further suggests that jobs predominantly held by women coudl be up to three times more affected.

Globally, the ILO estimates that a quarter of jobs face potential threats from automation or meaningful change due to AI advancements. However, disparities in technology, infrastructure, and the prominence of the service sector create substantial differences between countries, pushing the exposure rate to 34% in high-income nations.

The Uneven Playing Field: Gender Disparities

The ILO report highlights a concerning trend: jobs traditionally held by women are more vulnerable, particularly in affluent countries. Women’s overrepresentation in administrative and office roles, such as secretarial positions, contributes to this disparity. Almost 10% of jobs mainly performed by women are exposed to automation, compared to 3.5% for men.

Isabelle Collet, a professor in science of education at the University of Geneva, elaborates on this point: We are talking about the jobs of the tertiary sector with little responsibilities, where the drafting and the synthesis of texts can be of importance. All the work derived from the secretariat.

Beyond Automation: Transformation and Prospect

The ILO emphasizes that exposure to AI does not automatically equate to job elimination. Rather, it signifies the potential for AI to perform a significant portion of current tasks. The organization urges governments,employers,and unions to implement proactive policies that integrate AI in a way that enhances job quality in affected sectors.

While jobs in media, software, and finance are also highly susceptible to AI-driven changes, predicting the precise impact remains challenging. As Collet notes, it is indeed still very difficult to do this kind of bets on jobs, as the evolution of AI is still quite mysterious.

Systemic Challenges: Training and Representation

Collet points out another critical issue: employers are more likely to offer AI training to men than women, driven by stereotypes linking women to tech. This disparity exacerbates the existing underrepresentation of women in the tech field, where they currently hold less than 20% of positions, a figure that has declined as the 1990s.

Collet stresses the need for active and monitored integration of AI into the workplace.She argues that AI itself is neither good nor bad: it is political. She further suggests that the jobs of care, care or education […] can be increased thanks to AI. It can help decision or innovation, which seems to me a good idea.But you think you can save on these jobs or on training due to AI, it seems to me a very bad idea.