In a bold move to harness artificial intelligence for social good, the Indian government has unveiled a groundbreaking casebook on ‘AI and Gender Empowerment.’ Announced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), this initiative marks a pivotal step toward inclusive and ethical AI development in the country.
Launched officially at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the casebook is a collaborative effort between the IndiaAI Mission under MeitY, UN Women, and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD). It showcases 23 AI solutions from Global South nations that deliver tangible, measurable impacts on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
From over 233 entries submitted by more than 50 countries, these solutions were rigorously selected through a multi-layered evaluation process. An independent panel comprising senior officials from MeitY, MoWCD, and UN Women assessed them based on real-world usage, quantifiable gender impacts, and evidence-based outcomes.
The featured AI innovations span critical sectors: healthcare including menstrual health, economic empowerment and financial inclusion, digital safety to combat gender-based violence, climate resilience and sustainable agriculture, access to justice and legal services, education and skill development, and knowledge resources for policymakers and activists.
The casebook has already garnered international acclaim. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited the UN Women stall at the GenAI Expo, engaging with young women from rural communities pursuing STEM careers under the Westem project. Supported by UN Women, state governments of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, the European Union, Micron, Nokia, and Head Held High Foundation, these women shared how AI is helping them acquire new skills, expand educational access, and unlock employment opportunities.
This resource serves as a comprehensive guide for policymakers, tech developers, researchers, and activists. It demonstrates practical pathways to design ethical, inclusive AI systems that address the diverse needs of women and girls, particularly in India and the Global South, paving the way for technological leadership and equitable progress.