Artificial Intelligence (AI), once considered a futuristic concept, has now become an inseparable part of modern life. It is driving a new wave of industrial transformation one that replaces not only human labor but also elements of human intelligence. This technological revolution promises efficiency, innovation, and economic growth. Yet, beneath this progress lies a silent challenge, particularly for women in developing countries like Bangladesh. As automation and intelligent systems spread across industries, the implications for women's employment are becoming increasingly concerning.
According to a recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), nearly 9.6% of jobs traditionally held by women worldwide are at risk of being transformed by AI technologies, compared to only 3.5% of male-dominated jobs. While this data mainly reflects trends in developed economies, the consequences are already beginning to emerge in developing nations. For Bangladesh, a country where women have played a pivotal role in building the economy over the last few decades this shift carries serious implications for gender equality and socio-economic stability.
Women have been at the heart of Bangladesh's remarkable economic journey. From the ready-made garments (RMG) sector to healthcare, microfinance, education, and information technology, women have proved to be catalysts for growth and change. The RMG industry, which employs over four million workers, is dominated by women who make up more than 60% of the workforce. Their contribution has helped Bangladesh become the world's second-largest apparel exporter, significantly improving household incomes and empowering rural communities. Moreover, women have made notable progress in administrative, teaching, and clerical jobs, steadily breaking barriers that once confined them to domestic roles.
However, with the rapid integration of AI and automation in industries, these same positions are now under threat. The technology's ability to perform routine, repetitive, and low-complexity tasks with remarkable precision poses a direct risk to many women-dominated jobs. In the banking sector, clerical and data entry roles are being gradually automated. In the garment industry, AI-driven machinery can now handle design, stitching precision, and quality control, reducing the need for manual labor. Similarly, in customer service, AI-powered chatbots and voice assistants are replacing human agents, handling thousands of queries at once with minimal cost.
While AI does not completely eliminate jobs, it certainly transforms them in ways that require new skills and competencies. The challenge for Bangladesh lies in ensuring that women, who often occupy lower-skilled positions, are not left behind in this transition. Many of these workers lack the technical training or access to digital education necessary to adapt to AI-driven work environments. Male workers, who tend to dominate supervisory, managerial, or technical roles, may have better opportunities to retrain or move into new fields, while women are more likely to face displacement or downward mobility.
Digital exclusion remains another critical barrier. Although Bangladesh has made commendable progress in expanding internet access, the gender gap in digital literacy persists. Many women, especially in rural areas, lack the training, confidence, or resources to use technology effectively. Cultural and social factors often limit their access to digital tools or educational opportunities. As a result, women are less prepared to embrace new technologies, making them more vulnerable to job loss in sectors undergoing rapid automation.
If this imbalance continues, it could deepen existing inequalities in the labor market. Women's labor force participation in Bangladesh remains around 36%, significantly lower than men's participation rate of over 80%. While improvements have been made in women's literacy, health, and leadership representation, the employment gap continues to be a structural challenge. Without inclusive policies and forward-looking planning, AI could push more women out of formal employment and into unpaid or informal sectors, reversing decades of progress in gender equality.
In rural Bangladesh, where digital entrepreneurship and freelancing have recently opened new doors for women, AI presents both opportunities and risks. On one hand, AI-powered tools can assist rural women in business analytics, online marketing, content creation, and virtual communication. On the other hand, these opportunities require a certain level of technological understanding that remains out of reach for many. If adequate training and awareness are not provided, the same technology that could empower rural women may end up excluding them from emerging economic activities.
Nonetheless, this transformation does not have to be entirely negative. AI can also become a tool for women's empowerment if used strategically. By integrating gender-sensitive education and digital upskilling programs, Bangladesh can prepare women to participate in the new economy. Educational institutions must promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning for girls, while vocational centers should offer specialized training in AI-related fields such as data management, programming, and digital entrepreneurship. Private companies, in partnership with government and NGOs, can establish inclusive learning hubs to train women workers from both urban and rural areas, helping them transition into AI-compatible roles.
Government policy will play a decisive role in this transformation. It is essential to create regulatory frameworks that ensure ethical AI use, particularly in hiring, promotion, and performance evaluation systems. AI algorithms can unintentionally reinforce gender biases if not designed carefully. Therefore, transparency and accountability in AI deployment must be prioritized. The government should also incentivize industries to provide retraining opportunities for women and encourage companies to adopt inclusive workplace policies that support women's career advancement.
Employers must also act responsibly by promoting gender diversity and creating flexible working environments. The rise of AI allows for remote work and flexible schedules is an advantage that can help women balance professional and domestic responsibilities. Companies can utilize AI tools to improve work-life balance, monitor productivity without bias, and foster a culture of equality in digital workspaces.
Equally important is the need to include women in AI development itself. Women must not only adapt to AI but also participate in shaping its direction. Encouraging more women to become AI developers, data scientists, and policy advisors will ensure that future technologies are designed with inclusivity in mind. When women are involved in designing and managing AI systems, it reduces the likelihood of gender bias and broadens the scope for equitable technological progress.
Furthermore, global partnerships and international cooperation can support Bangladesh's efforts to close the gender gap in the age of AI. Collaboration with international organizations, tech companies, and academic institutions can help bring expertise, funding, and digital infrastructure to empower women workers. Exchange programs and digital literacy campaigns can further accelerate this transformation.
As Bangladesh stands at this turning point, the decisions made today will shape the future of millions of women in the workforce. AI is undoubtedly a powerful force,dynamic, innovative, and transformative. But without inclusive planning and gender-focused strategies, it can also become a dividing line between those who adapt and those who are left behind. The nation must ensure that women remain integral to the country's technological evolution rather than victims of it.
Artificial Intelligence should not be viewed merely as a threat but as a catalyst for a more equitable and progressive society. By embracing inclusive innovation, investing in women's education, and ensuring ethical AI implementation, Bangladesh can not only safeguard women's employment but also unlock a new era of empowerment and equality in the digital age.
The writer is a legal researcher
