As we stand at the cusp of an unprecedented technological revolution driven by artificial intelligence (AI), the landscape of employment across our state – and indeed the nation – will shift dramatically over the next decade.
Even before then, by 2030, AI is expected to shape industries and refine jobs which necessitates a comprehensive approach to ensuring Connecticut women are not left behind. It is imperative that we understand and act proactively on this crucial moment – by investing in our educational pipeline, supporting upskilling and reskilling initiatives and passing forward-looking policies like Senate Bill 2.
The impact of AI on women in the workforce
Recent studies paint a clear picture: generative AI and AI automation threaten jobs traditionally held by women, especially in sectors such as administrative support, customer service, food service and retail/sales. According to a 2024 report from McKinsey Global Institute, approximately 30% of roles held by women are at a high risk of automation within the next five years. Conversely, AI also opens new pathways, if we prepare our workforce, especially women and underserved communities of color, to seize these opportunities.
Connecticut’s COVID-19 recovery underscored how economic instability disproportionately affects women, who often bear the brunt of workforce disruptions due to caregiving responsibilities and occupational clustering. As AI advances, these disparities, could widen unless deliberate policies support women’s transition into emerging careers.
Building the future of AI careers
Senate Bill 2, which recently passed the State Senate, is poised to be a game-changer. It is a robust bill covering everything from accountability and algorithmic discrimination to preventing deep fake abuse and supporting workforce development. Critical components of the bill include the creation of the Connecticut AI Academy, targeted upskilling programs, and initiatives to support career pathways in AI and quantum computing. These investments are essential for continuing to position Connecticut as a leader in AI innovation, an area the governor recognizes as vital to our economic future, as evidenced by his executive investments in artificial intelligence and quantum computing research as reported by the CT Office of Policy and Management, 2024.
Most importantly, SB2 emphasizes upskilling and reskilling programs which ensures that when automation displaces certain roles, the workforce will have pathways into new high-demand sectors such as data science, AI ethics and cybersecurity.
The educational pipeline starts early
We know well that early education shapes future opportunities. Connecticut has an opportunity, and obligation, to foster a robust science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) pipeline starting in elementary school, especially for girls.
Introducing STEM concepts early, providing engaging coding and robotics programs and supporting mentorship initiatives will cultivate a diverse generation of innovators ready to lead in AI. Funding and expanding STEM programs and partnerships with local tech firms will be vital. Additionally, supporting successful initiatives like the Lt. Governor’s Computing Challenge are instrumental in sparking curiosity and interaction with coding, furthering efforts to increase accessibility to STEM education. Connecticut must remain committed to the goal of dismantling the barriers that keep women and girls from pursuing STEM careers, from the outset. Early exposure not only inspires interest but builds the confidence necessary for future success.
Supporting a transition to high-demand AI careers
Senate Bill 2 also intimates investments in adult retraining initiatives crucial for women already in the workforce. As the McKinsey report indicates, effective retraining reduces unemployment risk and smooths the transition from traditional roles to tech-driven careers. Programs such as the Connecticut Online AI Academy will serve as hubs for learning and reskilling, likely offering accessible training in AI development, machine learning and related fields.
Moreover, the state must continue to innovate on how we incentivize private sector partnerships, internships and apprenticeships — building pipelines from education to employment that prioritize equity and inclusion.
Now is the time to act
Delaying action leaves too many women vulnerable to job losses and wage stagnation– particularly those in lower-income brackets or in industries most susceptible to automation. By proactively supporting AI-related career pathways, we mitigate the risks and maximize the benefits of technological progress.
We are at a pivotal moment. Senate bill 2’s passage through the Senate paves the way for vital investments in Connecticut’s AI economy – if it advances through the House. Our collective goal must be to ensure that women and girls, and others who lack opportunity have equal access to training, employment opportunities in artificial intelligence fields, and leadership roles in the burgeoning tech sector. By doing so, we will not only foster economic growth but also create a more inclusive and resilient workforce prepared for the innovations of tomorrow.
Melvette Hill is the Executive Director of the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity (CWCSEO).