Smriti Irani Highlights Women’s Role Being Tied to India’s Success

At the World Economic Forum annual meeting 2025 at Davos,Union Minister Smriti Irani called for a shift in the global narrative, urging Indians to lead discussions on pressing issues such as inclusion, climate change, and health innovation.She emphasised that India’s demographic dividend holds immense potential, but its success is intrinsically tied to the role of women.

“For too long, we have focused on what we can do for India. It’s time we shift the narrative to Indians leading global conversations,” she said. Irani noted that India’s achievements in inclusion are not just for domestic progress but serve as lessons for global institutions like the World Bank and the United Nations.

Highlighting economic opportunities, she referred to a $12 trillion global gain by 2025 if gender equality is fully realised. “This isn’t just talk. There’s a number to it. But the question is: how do we reach that number?” she asked, urging policymakers and businesses to channel investments into sectors like health innovation, particularly affordable products for women’s wellbeing.

Irani also addressed the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation on jobs. “If jobs are automated at 70%, the ones most at risk are those held by women, especially at entry levels,” she said. She stressed the need for strategies to safeguard the livelihoods of women and harness their potential in a rapidly evolving job market.

Looking ahead, Irani noted that AI is set to advance from generative tools, like ChatGPT, to AI agents that could automate complex workflows. “AI is not new—it has been around since the 1950s. But AI agents will lead to further displacement of talent. Are we ready for it?” she asked, cautioning that low-income economies, with limited internet access, could face significant challenges.

As India takes its lessons to the global stage, Irani underscored the importance of preparing for these disruptions. “These are issues that need urgent conversations,” she concluded.

On the other hand, Sindhu Gangadharan ,managing director of SAP Labs India mentioned at  The Grace Hopper Celebration India (GHCI) 2024  that women today make just 25% of AI researchers globally, which is a glaring gap that reflects not only underrepresentation but also the missed opportunities of building more inclusive and equitable systems.

However, “Now is the time to change that narrative. It’s time for women to take centre stage in the AI revolution, not as participants, but as leaders,” Gangadharan said.