Council of Europe calls for gender equality in AI and digital sectors on International Women’s Day

The Council of Europe has called for greater gender equality in artificial intelligence and digital industries, highlighting the need for increased female representation in these fields.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, Secretary General Alain Berset emphasized the importance of ensuring that technological advancements benefit society as a whole.

Berset said "The AI and digital revolution must also be a revolution for gender equality. Together, we can break down barriers to build a future where women and girls lead, innovate, and drive the digital world forward."

Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in key digital sectors. According to the World Economic Forum, only 22 percent of AI professionals globally are women. In Europe, women hold just 20 percent of top academic positions in science and engineering, as reported in the EU’s She Figures 2022 study. The Council of Europe has stressed that increasing women's participation in digital industries is essential for fostering innovation and ensuring equal access to opportunities in these fields.

Opportunities and risks of AI for gender equality

AI has the potential to advance gender equality by addressing disparities in treatment and amplifying women’s voices in decision-making. However, without proper oversight, AI systems may reinforce biases, perpetuate gender stereotypes, and contribute to discrimination. The Council of Europe is developing a Recommendation on equality and AI, which will provide guidance on incorporating non-discrimination principles into AI development and deployment.

Gender equality remains a central focus of the Council of Europe’s work. This commitment is reflected in the new Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, the world’s first legally binding international treaty in this area. The convention sets guidelines for responsible AI development, ensuring that advancements in technology do not come at the expense of fundamental rights.

Addressing technology-facilitated violence

Technology-facilitated violence against women and girls remains a growing concern. The impact of online harassment, deepfake technology, and algorithmic abuse can affect non only personal safety, but also women’s participation in public life. In response, the Council of Europe is drafting a Recommendation on technology-facilitated violence against women and girls. The initiative aims to strengthen accountability, enhance victim support, and introduce measures to mitigate AI-related risks.