The Impact of AI and Automation on Female Employment in Europe

In recent decades, technological advancements have reshaped the job landscape in Europe, often with varying effects across different groups. The introduction of AI and automation technologies has been particularly influential, and its impact on female employment is a topic of growing interest.

Shifts in Employment Patterns

Historically, technological changes like those seen in the 1970s and 1980s increased demand for skilled workers, often to the detriment of those with less formal education. As automation took hold in the 1990s, it reduced the need for routine jobs, impacting many workers in mid-level wage positions. Interestingly, these shifts have not affected men and women equally. Women, with their strengths in intellectual and interpersonal skills, have often transitioned into more professional roles, while men have moved into lower-level service jobs.

The Role of AI in Modern Employment

The latest wave of technological innovation is driven by AI, which is transforming both manufacturing and service sectors by automating non-routine and creative tasks. A study by Albanesi et al. (2023) examined how AI technologies influence employment across various sectors in 16 European countries from 2011 to 2019. The findings suggest that jobs more exposed to AI tend to see an increase in employment shares, particularly for women.

Gender-Specific Impacts of AI

A follow-up study by Albanesi et al. (2025b) explored whether AI technologies affect male and female employment differently. Using data from the Eurostat Labour Force Survey, the research assessed AI exposure at the occupation level. It found that higher exposure to AI correlates with a significant rise in female employment. On average, moving ten centiles up the AI exposure scale is linked to a 2.2% to 2.9% increase in female employment share, which is notably higher than the overall employment increase.

Education and Employment Benefits

Education plays a crucial role in how new technologies impact employment opportunities. Women with higher educational attainment are more likely to benefit from AI-related job growth. In countries where women's educational levels have risen significantly, the link between AI exposure and female employment is even stronger. For instance, in nations with higher educational advancements, moving up the AI exposure scale results in a 2.7% to 3.4% increase in female job shares.

The Influence of Labour Market Participation

Labour market participation also affects how women respond to technological changes. Countries with higher initial female participation rates see a stronger positive correlation between AI exposure and female employment. This suggests that women who are more engaged in the workforce can better adapt to technological shifts, minimizing potential job displacement.

Conclusion: AI as a Catalyst for Female Employment

In summary, the spread of AI technologies appears to offer significant benefits for female employment in Europe. The advantages are most pronounced in countries with higher female educational attainment and labour market participation. This trend aligns with the idea that AI can create more gender-friendly job opportunities, supporting the notion that education and workforce engagement are key to maximizing the positive impacts of AI on employment.