Gender Divide In AI: How To Address India’s Skill Gap With Large-Scale Training Initiatives

The "India AI Mission" and "Viksit Bharat 2047" initiatives underscore the strategic importance of AI in India's economic future.

By Anitha Natarajan

India stands on the brink of a transformative economic opportunity — one that could generate unprecedented wealth and catalyse a new era of prosperity. The generative AI (Gen AI) revolution, projected to contribute significantly to India’s GDP, presents a once-in-a-generation chance to redefine the nation’s workforce. Central to this transformation is the inclusion of Indian women, whose participation in Gen AI could ensure that the benefits of this revolution are equitably distributed. 

However, realising this potential demands a concerted effort to address the current disparities in women’s participation in both formal jobs and the AI sector.

The Generative AI Opportunity

India’s Gen AI potential is immense. With a rapidly growing digital economy, India is poised to become a global leader in AI innovation. The introduction of Gen AI technologies is expected to add billions to the nation's GDP, significantly enhance productivity across industries, and create millions of jobs.

The "India AI Mission" and "Viksit Bharat 2047" initiatives underscore the strategic importance of AI in India's economic future. These initiatives envision AI as a cornerstone for achieving a developed, self-reliant India by 2047, with Gen AI playing a pivotal role in this transformation.

Gen AI is not just about technology; it’s about creating new economic pathways. For women, particularly those from underserved communities, this represents a unique opportunity to break free from traditional constraints and participate meaningfully in the new economy. The Gen AI revolution is, in essence, a socioeconomic opportunity that could redefine women’s roles in India’s economic landscape.

Women’s Participation in India’s Formal Workforce: A Critical Gap

Despite the potential of Gen AI, the reality is that women’s participation in India’s formal workforce remains low. According to recent studies, only a fraction of Indian women are employed in formal jobs, and their representation in the AI sector is even lower. This underrepresentation poses a significant challenge to realising the full potential of India’s AI ambitions.

India’s labour market continues to be male-dominated, particularly in technology sectors. The cultural and structural barriers that have historically limited women’s participation in STEM fields are now threatening to marginalise them in the AI revolution. If these trends continue, India risks missing out on the innovation and creativity that a more diverse workforce could bring to the Gen AI landscape.

The Imperative of Women’s Leadership in the Gen AI Revolution

India will not realise its full potential in the AI domain without women leading the charge. The Gen AI revolution requires a diversity of thought, experience, and innovation, which can only be achieved through inclusive participation. Women, who constitute nearly half of India’s population, must be at the forefront of this technological revolution if the country is to achieve its ambitious growth targets.

Aligning with the "India AI Mission" and "Viksit Bharat 2047" goals, India must prioritise gender equity in AI. This is not just a social imperative but an economic one. Research consistently shows that diverse teams are more innovative and effective, a fact that is especially true in cutting-edge fields like AI.

Large-Scale Skilling Programmes

To bridge the gap, India must invest in large-scale skilling programmes targeted specifically at women. Such programmes must be designed to be accessible, affordable, and aligned with industry needs to ensure that women can successfully transition into AI roles.

Public and private sector collaboration is crucial in democratising AI skills. By creating partnerships between educational institutions, tech companies, and government bodies, India can create a supportive ecosystem that nurtures women’s talent from grassroots levels to the highest echelons of AI leadership. This approach will ensure that the benefits of AI are widespread and contribute to large-scale innovation.

The Democratisation of AI

One of the most compelling aspects of the Gen AI revolution is its accessibility. Unlike previous technological revolutions, where deep technical knowledge was a prerequisite, Gen AI democratises access to technology. With user-friendly tools and platforms, individuals without a traditional tech background can contribute to and benefit from AI innovation.

This aspect of Gen AI is particularly advantageous for women, many of whom have been historically excluded from tech due to perceived or real barriers. By emphasising AI fluency over technical expertise, India can empower a broader segment of the population to participate in the AI economy. This inclusivity is vital for ensuring that the AI revolution does not replicate the inequalities of past technological waves.

The Gen AI revolution offers India an unprecedented opportunity to create wealth, enhance productivity, and uplift millions. However, to fully capitalise on this opportunity, women mustn't be just participants but leaders in this transformation. By aligning with national goals like the "India AI Mission" and "Viksit Bharat 2047," and by investing in large-scale skilling programs and public-private partnerships, India can build an AI-first nation that is equitable and prosperous.

The time to act is now. By empowering Indian women to gain an equitable share of the Gen AI opportunity, India can ensure that its AI revolution is not just about technology, but about creating a more inclusive and innovative society.

(The author is the COO of GUVI SAWIT)

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