India, July 16 -- With World Youth Skills Day this year focusing on youth empowerment through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills this year, this is a timely opportunity to spotlight how India's AI revolution risks leaving half its population behind. Gender and AI debates have largely focussed on women's under-representation in the industry. But as AI's reach expands across sectors, it is equally critical to examine how women are excluded within the broader AI skilling ecosystem.

Despite their role in the economy, women contribute just 18% to India's GDP - a stark indicator of unequal access to quality work and skills. Outside AI and data science, they face the twin challenge of automation and systemic barriers to digital ups...