Contrary to the common assumption that care-based roles protect women from the rise of artificial intelligence, recent research suggests that female-concentrated sectors are actually at the greatest risk of automation. An analysis of data from the government agency Jobs and Skills Australia reveals that clerical and administrative positions, which are predominantly staffed by women, possess some of the highest automation exposure scores.
The study identified that 15 of the 20 occupations most vulnerable to AI displacement are female-dominated. Among these, five are considered highly female-dominated, with women making up at least 80% of the workforce. Roles such as bookkeepers, secretaries, receptionists, and human resources clerks are particularly susceptible. In contrast, the 20 occupations least exposed to automation are primarily male-dominated, including trades like electrical work and concreting, which require physical dexterity and human judgment.
Evidence of this shift is already appearing in labor market data. Job vacancies for roles highly exposed to AI, such as personal assistants and bookkeepers, dropped by approximately 22% in June 2026 compared to the previous year. This decline significantly outpaces the 1.7% decrease seen in the broader workforce, while vacancies for tradespeople have continued to grow.
Researchers are calling for a gender-conscious approach to AI policy, urging the government to integrate gender analysis into the work of the newly established Office of AI. By proactively identifying these risks, policymakers may be better positioned to help workers transition into new roles, including those created by AI or positions that prioritize human judgment.
Source: The Conversation
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