Introducing AI Empower Lab: The Impact of AI on Gender Inequality in Austria
AI is transforming workplaces and industries incredibly fast. But with all this rapid progress, there’s a growing worry that it could make existing disparities, like gender inequality, even worse. As a verified social enterprise focusing on Diversity and Inclusion, WOMENTOR has therefore decided to launch a research project. We put together a dedicated team of experienced professionals to spearhead this initiative. The research project is funded by the FFG, The Austrian Research Promotion Agency.
What is AI Empower Lab about?
We address the significant risk of reinforced disparities, such as gender inequality and potential discrimination of minorities. We’re focused on creating fair and inclusive solutions for both knowledge workers and those in the creative industries. Our goal? To enhance AI literacy and resilience, promote tech practices that include everyone, and champion environments where gender diversity is recognized as crucial. To foster equitable participation in AI-enhanced workplaces, AI Empower Lab aspires to ensure that advancements in AI benefit all segments of society, particularly those at risk of being marginalized.
The Current Landscape of AI and Gender Inequality
AI technology has the potential to significantly influence gender dynamics within the workforce. Since at least the end of the 1980s, researchers have warned of the gender gap in computer science and AI programming in particular (SOTON). The number of women in tech roles has even decreased in the last 35 years (CIO).
The OECD reports that women are less likely than men to possess advanced digital and AI skills, which are increasingly in demand. Today, only 18% of C-suite leaders in AI sectors worldwide are women, reflecting significant underrepresentation in leadership positions within the tech sphere (OECD AI).
“Without the right frameworks and educational support, AI might widen the digital and professional gaps between genders, especially in high-tech roles that are currently dominated by men.”
Possible Future Impacts of AI on Gender Inequality beyond Tech
A disparity in tech and AI-related jobs does, of course, not necessarily imply that women are also less likely to profit from technological developments. For instance, on average about 70% of the graphic design students – heavy users of the Adobe suite – are women [Design Austria]. Yet, several studies have recently highlighted that while AI offers productivity boosts and innovation opportunities, it does pose risks of deepening gender disparities in non-tech careers if not managed carefully [OECD AI], [IPPR]. For instance, AI-driven automation tends to disproportionately affect jobs typically dominated by women, such as administrative and clerical roles [CEPR).
In Austria, where the gender pay gap remains one of the highest in Europe, the integration of AI in workplaces could either mitigate or worsen these disparities depending on the approach taken (OECD AI) (CEPR). Austrian policies and corporate strategies that embrace AI need to ensure they include measures that promote gender equality.
AI’s Dual Potential: Opportunities and Risks
AI can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it introduces opportunities for creating more flexible, inclusive, and accommodating work environments, which could benefit women who often juggle professional and personal responsibilities (OECD AI). On the other hand, without the right frameworks and educational support, AI might widen the digital and professional gaps between genders, especially in high-tech roles that are currently dominated by men.
What Policies can do
Addressing these challenges requires strategic educational and policy interventions. Increasing women’s participation in STEM fields and AI through targeted educational programs can help close the skills gap. Furthermore, policy measures that encourage female entrepreneurship in tech and support women-led AI startups could balance the scales (OECD AI).
In Austria, specific initiatives could include partnerships between educational institutions and tech companies to provide hands-on AI training and mentorship for women. Additionally, legislative and corporate policies that advocate for diversity in AI research and development teams can ensure that AI technologies are designed with gender inclusivity in mind (OECD AI).
Conclusion
As AI continues to shape various sectors, Austria faces a critical opportunity to steer this technology towards reducing rather than reinforcing gender inequalities. By implementing inclusive educational programs, supportive policies, and equitable workplace practices, Austria can harness AI’s potential to empower all genders equally. Moving forward, the conversation around AI and gender equality needs to be ongoing, with continuous adjustments and improvements based on empirical research and societal feedback. The research project AI Empower Lab therefore represents an essential stride toward an equitable tech-driven future, emphasizing proactive and inclusive strategies to ensure that AI benefits are universally accessible, particularly to those most at risk of being marginalized by rapid digital transformations.
Please visit our project website to find out more about the project and how to get involved!
For a deeper dive into how AI impacts gender dynamics globally and the specific measures that can be taken to mitigate risks, refer to the OECD's insights (OECD AI).
