The Casebook on AI and Gender Empowerment was officially launched at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on 17 February, underscoring India’s commitment to inclusive and ethical artificial intelligence. The publication is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in partnership with UN Women, and supported by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD). It brings together 23 real-world AI solutions from across the Global South that demonstrate measurable impact on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The launch event was attended by S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY; Anil Malik, Secretary, MoWCD; and Christine Arab, Regional Director, UN Women Asia and the Pacific. Their participation highlighted the collaborative effort to advance gender-responsive AI innovation in India and globally.
The casebook received international attention when UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited the UN Women stall at the JanAI Expo on 20 February. During the visit, he interacted with young women from rural communities pursuing STEM careers under the WeSTEM project, implemented by UN Women in collaboration with the governments of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, the European Union, Micron, Nokia, and the Head Held High Foundation. A copy of the casebook was presented to the Secretary-General by Kanta Singh, Country Representative a.i., UN Women, in the presence of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, Amandeep Singh Gill.
The publication features 23 AI solutions selected from 233 submissions across 50+ countries, evaluated through a rigorous multi-stage process by senior officials from MeitY, MoWCD, and UN Women. The selected solutions address key sectors including healthcare (menstrual health), economic empowerment, digital safety, climate resilience, access to justice, education, and skills development.
Serving as a knowledge resource, the casebook provides guidance for policymakers, technology developers, researchers, and practitioners to ensure AI systems are ethical, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of women and girls in India and the Global South. It aligns with India’s vision of democratic AI diffusion and supports embedding gender-responsive principles across the Seven Chakras (working groups) of the IndiaAI Mission.
The initiative demonstrates a successful partnership model: MeitY led the IndiaAI Mission framework and strategic direction, UN Women coordinated global outreach and technical expertise on gender and AI, and MoWCD ensured gender-responsive evaluation standards.
The casebook is available for download at: https://impact.indiaai.gov.in/events/released-compendium
The India AI Impact Summit 2026, held from 16–20 February, brought together global leaders, policymakers, innovators, and civil society to advance responsible, inclusive, and impactful AI. The Summit highlights India’s leadership in digital public infrastructure and its role as a co-architect of the global AI governance framework.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
