New technology is reshaping the way we all work, displacing jobs and changing the skills employers look for. In some ways, women stand to lose out since they are under-represented in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI). But new technology also offers opportunities for women to advance their careers and achieve greater gender equality in the workplace. Here are some of the ways that new technology can be both a threat and a benefit for women’s access to work.
The impact of automation on women’s jobs
According to a report by McKinsey Global Institute, between 40 million and 160 million women globally may need to transition between occupations by 2030, often into higher-skilled roles, due to automation. Women and men face a similar scale of potential job losses and gains, but in different areas. Women are more likely to work in sectors that are highly automatable, such as retail, hospitality, and clerical support. Men are more likely to work in sectors that are less automatable, such as manufacturing, construction, and transportation.
However, automation also creates new jobs that require different skills, such as data analysis, digital marketing, and software development. These jobs tend to be more productive and better paid than the ones they replace. Women have the potential to benefit from these new opportunities if they can acquire the necessary skills and qualifications. However, women face several barriers to accessing these jobs, such as lack of education, training, mentorship, and role models.
The role of flexible working and remote work for women
One of the positive effects of new technology is that it enables more flexible working arrangements and remote work options for workers. This can be especially beneficial for women who often have to balance their work and family responsibilities. Flexible working and remote work can allow women to have more control over their schedules, reduce commuting time and costs, and increase their productivity and well-being.
However, flexible working and remote work also come with some challenges for women. For instance, women may face discrimination or bias from employers or colleagues who perceive them as less committed or less visible than their counterparts who work in the office. Women may also face difficulties in maintaining their professional networks and career advancement opportunities when they work remotely. Moreover, women may still bear the brunt of domestic chores and childcare when they work from home, which can affect their work-life balance and mental health.
The importance of skills-based hiring and diversity initiatives for women
Another way that new technology can help women’s access to work is by promoting skills-based hiring and diversity initiatives in the workplace. Skills-based hiring is a method of recruiting candidates based on their abilities and potential rather than their credentials or background. This can help reduce gender bias and stereotypes in hiring decisions and create a more level playing field for women who may have less formal education or experience than men.
Diversity initiatives are programs or policies that aim to increase the representation and inclusion of women and other under-represented groups in the workplace. These can include mentoring, sponsorship, training, networking, affinity groups, and leadership development programs. These initiatives can help women gain access to career opportunities, role models, support systems, and recognition that can boost their confidence and performance.
The future of women at work: challenges and opportunities
New technology is both a threat and a benefit for women’s access to work. It poses challenges for women who may lose their jobs or face difficulties in transitioning to new ones due to automation. It also offers opportunities for women who can leverage new technology to enhance their skills, flexibility, and diversity in the workplace. To make the most of these opportunities, women need to be skilled, mobile, and tech-savvy. They also need targeted support from governments, employers, educators, and civil society to overcome the barriers they face in accessing quality education, training, mentorship, and career development.
