2025-08 Measuring and Counteracting the Gendered Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Women’s Employment

Women in Canada are significantly overrepresented in administrative and clerical roles, which are among the most vulnerable to displacement by artificial intelligence (AI). The International Labour Organization reports that 9.6% of female-dominated occupations face high risk from AI, compared to 3.5% of male-dominated roles. While Canada has made progress with GBA+ and the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, federal policies often fail to consistently apply GBA+ to AI tools in hiring and workforce management. Private-sector employers, including those with government contracts, are under no obligation to ensure AI systems are fair or inclusive, and small and medium-sized enterprises often lack guidance to address bias. Without gender-equity safeguards, AI could exacerbate inequality, push women out of the workforce, and weaken the economy. BPW Canada calls on the federal government to embed GBA+ into all AI-related policies, create a National Gender Equity in AI Task Force, invest in retraining and upskilling women, and legislate mandatory equity audits and oversight for AI in employment, in alignment with Canada’s commitment to gender equality under Sustainable Development Goal 5.