The Casebook on AI and Gender Empowerment was launched at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on 17 February. The release marked a significant step in India’s push for inclusive and ethical artificial intelligence.
The Government of India developed the publication through the IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in partnership with UN Women. The Ministry of Women and Child Development supported the initiative. Together, the partners compiled 23 real world AI solutions from across the Global South. These solutions demonstrate measurable impact on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Shri S Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Anil Malik, Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, and Ms Christine Arab, Regional Director of UN Women Asia and the Pacific, jointly launched the casebook at the Summit.
Global Recognition At India AI Impact Summit 2026
The casebook gained international attention during the Summit. United Nations Secretary General António Guterres visited the UN Women stall at the JanAI Expo on 20 February 2026. During his visit, he interacted with young women from rural communities pursuing STEM careers under the WeSTEM project.
UN Women implements the WeSTEM project in collaboration with the Governments of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. The initiative also partners with the European Union, Micron, Nokia and the Head Held High Foundation. The participants shared how they use AI to build skills, expand access to learning and explore new employment pathways.
Kanta Singh, Country Representative a i of UN Women, presented a copy of the casebook to the Secretary General. The presentation took place in the presence of Amandeep Singh Gill, Under Secretary General and the Secretary General’s Envoy on Technology.
Showcasing Gender Responsive AI Innovation
The casebook features 23 AI solutions selected from 233 submissions received from more than 50 countries. An independent evaluation committee comprising senior officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Ministry of Women and Child Development and UN Women assessed the entries.
The committee evaluated submissions through a rigorous multi stage process. It focused on real world deployment, measurable gender impact and evidence based outcomes.
The selected solutions span several critical sectors. These include healthcare, including menstrual health, economic empowerment and financial inclusion, digital safety and prevention of technology facilitated gender based violence, climate resilience and sustainable agriculture, access to justice and legal services, and education and skills development.
Knowledge Resource And Partnership Model
The Casebook on AI and Gender Empowerment serves as a knowledge resource for policymakers, technology developers, researchers and practitioners. It highlights practical approaches to ensure AI systems remain ethical, inclusive and responsive to the realities of women and girls in India and across the Global South.
The publication aligns with India’s vision of democratic AI diffusion. It also supports the Government’s commitment to embedding gender responsive principles across the Seven Chakras working groups of the IndiaAI Mission.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology led the IndiaAI Mission framework and provided strategic direction. Meanwhile, UN Women coordinated global outreach, managed submission evaluation and offered technical expertise on gender and AI. In addition, the Ministry of Women and Child Development ensured gender responsive evaluation standards as India’s nodal agency for gender.
The India AI Impact Summit 2026, held from 16 to 20 February 2026, brought together global leaders, policymakers, innovators and civil society representatives. The Summit advanced responsible, inclusive and impactful artificial intelligence. It also built on India’s leadership in digital public infrastructure and positioned the country as a co architect of the global AI governance framework.
