India's AI boom leaves rural women behind in a digital divide

India boasts one of the highest AI skill penetration rates among women worldwide. Yet only about 20% of its active AI and machine learning workforce are female. This gap raises concerns about whether the country’s technology serves everyone equally. A recent incident in Bundelkhand highlighted the problem. A woman used an AI chatbot to ask about pregnancy-related dizziness in Bundeli, her local dialect. The system responded in standard Hindi and English, which she struggled to understand. The chatbot failed to grasp her language, context, or reality—a common issue in India’s AI development.

Most AI systems in the country are trained in English and standard Hindi. This excludes regional dialects, often spoken by women in rural areas. The lack of women in AI decision-making roles means technology may overlook their needs and experiences.

Fewer women pursue advanced STEM education, and those who do face barriers. Hiring biases, limited mentorship, and a shortage of women in senior AI positions hinder progress. Women-led AI startups also receive far less venture capital funding, reducing the diversity of innovations. India aims to become an AI superpower. Success will depend on whether its technology understands and serves all women, regardless of their language or location. Addressing these gaps is critical to building inclusive and effective AI systems.