Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development. Yet, progress remains uneven globally, with systemic barriers limiting opportunities for women and girls. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a transformative tool to accelerate this mission. By addressing issues in education, employment, healthcare, safety, and representation, AI can play a critical role in creating a more inclusive world. In India, a country with diverse challenges and opportunities, AI holds immense potential to bridge gender gaps and drive societal transformation.
Reflecting on CSW 68: AI as a Key Discussion Topic
At the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 68), AI’s potential to advance gender equality was a key topic. Global leaders highlighted how AI can act as a catalyst for change, breaking down barriers that have persisted for centuries. Insights from CSW 68 emphasized the importance of partnerships between governments, private sectors, and civil society in leveraging AI responsibly to create equitable opportunities for women and girls, particularly in countries like India.
Tackling Gender Bias and Discrimination
AI can assist in identifying and mitigating biases across various domains. For instance, AI-powered recruitment platforms can anonymize resumes, ensuring hiring decisions are based on skills and qualifications rather than gender. Moreover, these platforms can analyze job descriptions to make them more inclusive, encouraging diverse applicants. In India, where cultural norms often shape career trajectories, such insights can help organizations implement policies that promote gender equality.
In workplaces, AI tools can analyze data on promotions, pay gaps, and task allocation to eliminate disparities. By offering actionable insights, these tools empower organizations to foster equitable environments. This becomes especially relevant in India, where systemic biases often hinder women’s career progression.
Enhancing Education and Skill Development
AI-driven platforms provide flexible, affordable, and accessible learning opportunities, particularly for girls and women in underserved regions. In rural India, AI-powered e-learning platforms can offer courses in regional languages and fields ranging from literacy to leadership, empowering women to enter the workforce. Programs like “Digital India” can further integrate AI tools to bridge educational gaps and improve opportunities for women across the nation.
Advancing Women’s Safety
Safety is a pressing concern for women, particularly in India. AI-powered safety applications provide real-time location tracking, emergency alerts, and safe route recommendations, enabling women to navigate public spaces with confidence. AI can also analyze crime data to identify high-risk areas, allowing authorities to implement preventive measures. Initiatives like India’s “Safe City Projects” can integrate AI-enabled surveillance systems to detect suspicious activities, enhancing safety in urban spaces.
Revolutionizing Healthcare Access
AI can address significant gaps in women’s healthcare. Personalized AI solutions offer timely advice on maternal health, reproductive health, and mental well-being. In rural India, telemedicine platforms powered by AI connect women with medical professionals, reducing maternal mortality rates. Additionally, AI facilitates early diagnosis of conditions like breast cancer, improving healthcare accessibility and outcomes for underserved communities in India.
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
AI can democratize access to credit by analyzing alternative data to assess creditworthiness, enabling microloans for women. This empowers women entrepreneurs, particularly those without traditional banking access, to establish and grow businesses. Programs like “Startup India” can incorporate AI tools to ensure equal opportunities for women entrepreneurs, fostering economic independence.
Conclusion
Artificial Intelligence holds transformative potential in driving gender equality both globally and in India. By dismantling systemic barriers, expanding opportunities, and elevating the voices of women and girls, AI can be a game-changer in achieving SDG 5. However, its true impact depends on ethical, inclusive, and responsible implementation. In India, harnessing AI within existing policies and frameworks can unlock new pathways for women’s empowerment, economic participation, and social inclusion. The future of AI must be one where technology is not just a tool, but a catalyst for a more just, equitable, and thriving society—where every individual, regardless of gender, can shape and benefit from sustainable development. (This article is contributed by Ms. Priya Kothari, CEO, YouthAid World Wide, USA and Board member YouthAid Foundation, India)
