ender equality is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for nations aiming for stability and progress. The 2019 United States Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security highlighted a stark reality: Societies that empower women to participate fully in civic and economic life are more prosperous and peaceful.
Amidst the geopolitical and technological tectonic shifts, women are pivotal in leading through crises. The Ukraine conflict exemplifies this: As men shoulder the burden of armed conflict, this country’s women emerge as crucial leaders, navigating the complexities of rebuilding and revival. The current devastation caused by the Russian invasion underscores the importance of women's engagement across all spheres of recovery, signaling an imperative for their active involvement.
Despite numerous barriers, women around the globe have made strides in various sectors, including AI, health, technology, and politics. At the World Economic Forum in Davos this year, 28% of attendees were women, leading conversations in these crucial fields.
Data from the UN shows that 28 women currently serve as heads of state or government. In addition, women represent over 22% of cabinet members globally.
The world is also witnessing increasing female representation in local governments. In 141 countries, over 3 million women hold local elected positions.
Today, young women excel in medicine, financial services, healthcare, education, non–profit, human resources, and customer service sectors. We see young women pursuing higher education, with women representing 55% of graduate and undergraduate students and making up over 55% of first–year students in U.S. medical schools. In Tunisia, a surprising 61% of higher technical and engineering graduates are women.
However, despite these advances, women encounter significant risks to their continued ascendancy, from gender–based violence, authoritarianism, and the advancement of AI.
Gender–based violence, including physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, remains a considerable concern globally. International Republican Institute data shows that a staggering 82% of women parliamentarians report experiencing psychological violence, with nearly half receiving threats of death, rape, assault, or abduction.
Online harassment further exacerbates this issue, with 38% of women leaders experiencing violence online. Such violence discourages women's participation in politics and leadership roles, threatening the progress made towards gender equality.
When democracy and the rule of law are not upheld, women often bear the brunt of the consequences. We have witnessed this in places like Afghanistan under Taliban rule, where educated women, jurors, and government officials were suddenly thrust back into an era of Islamic repression. Overnight, their freedoms were curtailed, and their abilities to participate in public life were severely restricted, illustrating the profound impact on women when such fundamental rights and systems were undermined.
As we look forward, it's clear that the intersection of AI and women's roles in democratic societies is a topic that demands our attention. AI presents a dual reality: It can create new opportunities for women yet simultaneously threaten existing positions. According to the International Monetary Fund, about 11% of jobs currently held by women are at risk due to AI and digital technologies. This fact could significantly exacerbate gender inequality, particularly in traditionally occupied by women, such as administrative, marketing, communications, and entry–level positions.
To mitigate this risk, we must equip women and girls with the skills necessary to thrive in an AI–driven economy, including competitive backgrounds in STEM fields. This proactive approach can help women adapt to the changing job market and are positioned to take on new and emerging roles.
Several organizations are taking proactive steps to address these issues. The Women's Democracy Network (WDN), a program of the International Republican Institute established in 2006, has empowered over 5000 women in 80 countries, enabling them to participate in the political process and take on leadership roles. WDN also supports 10 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.
WeConnect International connects women–owned businesses globally, integrating them into the supply chain, boosting their business capabilities, and extending their economic power. Such initiatives are crucial in creating a more inclusive and equitable world.
Mia–Mission’s Global AI Academy empowers non–technical women, aiming to upskill 1 million women, unlock 100,000 jobs, and accelerate AI skill advancement.
We must remain vigilant. Although promising opportunities exist for women, significant barriers and challenges remain. Addressing gender–based violence, preparing women for the impact of AI, and supporting organizations that empower women are critical steps towards a more prosperous and peaceful future for all. It is imperative for governments, businesses, and civil society to work together to ensure gender equality and women's empowerment remain at the forefront of discussions and actions.
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Women’s leadership in a world of risk and opportunities
Photo by Sammie Chaffin on Unsplash
March 8, 2024
Despite barriers, women around the globe have made strides on gender equality in a variety of sectors. Yet there is significant risk to their continued progress, from gender–based violence, authoritarianism, and the advancement of AI, writes Amb. Lisa Gable.
G
ender equality is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for nations aiming for stability and progress. The 2019 United States Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security highlighted a stark reality: Societies that empower women to participate fully in civic and economic life are more prosperous and peaceful.
Amidst the geopolitical and technological tectonic shifts, women are pivotal in leading through crises. The Ukraine conflict exemplifies this: As men shoulder the burden of armed conflict, this country’s women emerge as crucial leaders, navigating the complexities of rebuilding and revival. The current devastation caused by the Russian invasion underscores the importance of women's engagement across all spheres of recovery, signaling an imperative for their active involvement.
Despite numerous barriers, women around the globe have made strides in various sectors, including AI, health, technology, and politics. At the World Economic Forum in Davos this year, 28% of attendees were women, leading conversations in these crucial fields.
Data from the UN shows that 28 women currently serve as heads of state or government. In addition, women represent over 22% of cabinet members globally.
The world is also witnessing increasing female representation in local governments. In 141 countries, over 3 million women hold local elected positions.
Today, young women excel in medicine, financial services, healthcare, education, non–profit, human resources, and customer service sectors. We see young women pursuing higher education, with women representing 55% of graduate and undergraduate students and making up over 55% of first–year students in U.S. medical schools. In Tunisia, a surprising 61% of higher technical and engineering graduates are women.
However, despite these advances, women encounter significant risks to their continued ascendancy, from gender–based violence, authoritarianism, and the advancement of AI.
Gender–based violence, including physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, remains a considerable concern globally. International Republican Institute data shows that a staggering 82% of women parliamentarians report experiencing psychological violence, with nearly half receiving threats of death, rape, assault, or abduction.
Online harassment further exacerbates this issue, with 38% of women leaders experiencing violence online. Such violence discourages women's participation in politics and leadership roles, threatening the progress made towards gender equality.
When democracy and the rule of law are not upheld, women often bear the brunt of the consequences. We have witnessed this in places like Afghanistan under Taliban rule, where educated women, jurors, and government officials were suddenly thrust back into an era of Islamic repression. Overnight, their freedoms were curtailed, and their abilities to participate in public life were severely restricted, illustrating the profound impact on women when such fundamental rights and systems were undermined.
As we look forward, it's clear that the intersection of AI and women's roles in democratic societies is a topic that demands our attention. AI presents a dual reality: It can create new opportunities for women yet simultaneously threaten existing positions. According to the International Monetary Fund, about 11% of jobs currently held by women are at risk due to AI and digital technologies. This fact could significantly exacerbate gender inequality, particularly in traditionally occupied by women, such as administrative, marketing, communications, and entry–level positions.
To mitigate this risk, we must equip women and girls with the skills necessary to thrive in an AI–driven economy, including competitive backgrounds in STEM fields. This proactive approach can help women adapt to the changing job market and are positioned to take on new and emerging roles.
Several organizations are taking proactive steps to address these issues. The Women's Democracy Network (WDN), a program of the International Republican Institute established in 2006, has empowered over 5000 women in 80 countries, enabling them to participate in the political process and take on leadership roles. WDN also supports 10 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.
WeConnect International connects women–owned businesses globally, integrating them into the supply chain, boosting their business capabilities, and extending their economic power. Such initiatives are crucial in creating a more inclusive and equitable world.
Mia–Mission’s Global AI Academy empowers non–technical women, aiming to upskill 1 million women, unlock 100,000 jobs, and accelerate AI skill advancement.
We must remain vigilant. Although promising opportunities exist for women, significant barriers and challenges remain. Addressing gender–based violence, preparing women for the impact of AI, and supporting organizations that empower women are critical steps towards a more prosperous and peaceful future for all. It is imperative for governments, businesses, and civil society to work together to ensure gender equality and women's empowerment remain at the forefront of discussions and actions.
