India Launches Casebook on AI and Gender Empowerment
Introduction to the AI Casebook
New Delhi, Feb 27: In a pivotal step towards promoting inclusive and ethical advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the Indian government has unveiled a Casebook focused on AI and Gender Empowerment, as announced by the IT Ministry on Friday.
Launch Event and Collaborations
The casebook was officially introduced during the ‘India AI Impact Summit 2026’. It has been created by the government through the IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with UN Women and with support from the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD).
Content and Selection Process
This publication compiles 23 practical AI solutions from the Global South that showcase significant impacts on gender equality and the empowerment of women. The ministry noted that these solutions were chosen from a pool of 233 entries submitted from over 50 countries, following a thorough multi-stage evaluation process.
An independent committee, which included senior officials from MeitY, MoWCD, and UN Women, evaluated the submissions based on their real-world application, measurable gender impact, and evidence-based results.
Diverse Sectors Covered
The solutions highlighted in the casebook cover essential areas such as healthcare (including menstrual health), economic empowerment, financial inclusion, digital safety, prevention of technology-facilitated gender-based violence, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, access to justice, legal services, education, and skills development.
International Recognition
The casebook gained international attention when United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited the UN Women stall at the JanAI Expo. During his visit, he interacted with young women from rural areas who are pursuing careers in STEM through the WeSTEM project, a collaboration involving UN Women and the governments of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, along with the European Union, Micron, Nokia, and the Head Held High Foundation.
Empowering Future Leaders
The young women shared their experiences of utilizing AI to acquire new skills, broaden access to education, and explore emerging job opportunities, showcasing practical pathways to becoming future leaders in technology.
Resource for Policymakers and Practitioners
The casebook is designed to serve as a valuable knowledge resource for policymakers, technology developers, researchers, and practitioners, emphasizing practical strategies to ensure that AI systems are ethical, inclusive, and attuned to the diverse realities faced by women and girls in India and the Global South.