Women, artificial intelligence, and inclusion in Nepal

 In the early 2000s, I watched two science-fiction movies that really stuck with me. The first was Artificial Intelligence (2001) by Steven Spielberg, based on a 1969 story called Supertoys Last All Summer Long by Brian Aldiss. The second was I, Robot (2004), inspired by famous sci-fi writer Isaac Asimov’s stories and directed by Alex Proyas. Both movies made a big impact on me because they showed how quickly artificial intelligence (AI) might become part of our daily lives. The way they explored human intelligence and emotions felt ahead of their time.

Now, the world is racing to create the latest and most advanced AI systems. While the context has changed since those stories, many of the issues they raised are becoming real. One problem that remains is gender bias—something those movies hinted at, and which is still very relevant today.

Today, AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, DeepSeek, and Claude are part of almost every area of life, both personal and professional. For example, DeepSeek’s text-to-image model JanusPro 7B has amazed experts with its innovations.

But looking at this AI boom through a gender lens is troubling. Most AI systems are built and managed mostly by men, often leaving women out. This affects women’s safety and inclusion worldwide, including in Nepal, where challenges are complex.

Lack of Education and Skills

Technology is changing everything, including how we learn. AI has disrupted education and raised questions about the future of teaching, learning, and gender roles.

In Nepal, fewer women study or work in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) compared to other countries. Especially in rural areas, women often lack access to quality education and technical training in AI. Social and cultural barriers mean many women don’t get the same chances as men to learn about AI or work in tech fields. There’s also a lack of mentors and support for women interested in AI, which makes it harder for them to succeed. As a result, women are underrepresented in AI globally and in Nepal.

Technology, especially AI, touches every part of life—from ads and internet apps to important sectors like healthcare and finance.

Gender bias in tech isn’t new. Deep-rooted religious, cultural, and societal ideas in Nepal often expect women to focus on traditional roles like housework and caregiving. Yet many women are breaking these barriers, even though male-dominated expectations and family pressures still discourage women from pursuing tech careers. Education is often prioritized for boys over girls, and women face less support if they choose non-traditional jobs, which hurts their confidence and chances in tech.

Threats and Challenges AI Brings for Women

AI and new tech are transforming the world with innovation and efficiency. But technology can also be biased. For women, this creates serious challenges affecting jobs, safety, and social roles.

Automation and AI are changing the job market fast. Women without college degrees face the most risk because many jobs in sectors like administration, retail, and finance—where many women work—are being replaced by AI. In Nepal, little research has been done on AI and robotics, even though the government has launched a National AI Policy. Challenges are coming fast.

AI and Women’s Safety

As AI tools grow, misuse also rises. Women in remote areas of Nepal are especially vulnerable. For example, AI-powered voice cloning has been used to mimic people and extort money over phone calls.

The fast spread of AI challenges social norms, especially for women. To reduce harm, it’s important to start education early, showcase successful women in STEM fields, and create mentorship programs to inspire girls. However, gender bias still exists in AI systems, affecting women’s mental health, economic security, and safety.

These biases reinforce harmful stereotypes. Protecting women from online harassment and criminalizing deepfakes are essential to keeping their privacy and safety intact. Raising public awareness about AI can empower women to speak up and shape the future of technology.

Women’s Representation in AI

Nepal is relatively progressive in terms of women’s participation in politics, security forces, bureaucracy, and the judiciary. But the tech sector, especially AI, still shows a big gender gap. Women are much less represented in AI jobs than in other fields.

Nepal faces problems like outdated systems, limited data processing capacity, and a shortage of skilled workers to manage AI. These issues make it harder for women to take part in the digital sector on a large scale.

To fix this, Nepal needs targeted actions like inclusive education, better funding for women, mentorship programs, and policies that promote gender equality in AI and technology. The priority must be a human-centered approach to AI that includes everyone—especially women—so no one gets left behind in the digital future.

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