At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, a special casebook on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and gender empowerment was officially released, marking a significant milestone in India’s commitment to inclusive and ethical AI development.
The initiative highlights how AI-driven innovations can advance gender equality and create measurable social impact, particularly across the Global South.
23 AI Solutions from the Global South Featured
The casebook has been developed under the IndiaAI Mission, operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, in collaboration with UN Women and with support from the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
It features 23 selected AI solutions from the Global South that demonstrate tangible impact in promoting gender equality. The solutions were chosen from 233 applications received from over 50 countries.
An independent evaluation committee selected the projects based on real-world implementation, measurable gender outcomes, and evidence-based results.
Senior Officials Jointly Launch the Casebook
The casebook was jointly unveiled by S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and IT; Anil Malik, Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development; and Christine Arab, Regional Director for Asia-Pacific at UN Women.
The launch underscores India’s growing leadership in shaping responsible AI frameworks that align with global development goals.
International Recognition at the United Nations
The casebook received global attention when António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, visited the UN Women stall at the GenAI Expo on February 20, 2026.
During the visit, he interacted with young women from rural communities associated with the V-STEM project, who are leveraging AI-based skills and education to access new economic opportunities.
Gender-Sensitive AI Across Key Sectors
The selected AI innovations span multiple critical sectors, including:
- Healthcare access
- Economic empowerment
- Digital safety
- Climate adaptation
- Access to justice
- Education and skill development
These solutions demonstrate how gender-sensitive AI can address systemic inequalities while promoting inclusive growth.
A Knowledge Resource for Policymakers and Researchers
The casebook is designed as a comprehensive knowledge resource for policymakers, technology experts, and researchers. Its objective is to ensure that AI systems are ethical, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse realities of women and girls.
The initiative also presents a partnership-driven development model, combining the Government of India’s policy framework with UN Women’s global coordination and technical expertise, alongside gender-sensitive evaluation standards ensured by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Promoting Responsible and Inclusive AI
Held from February 16 to 20, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 brought together global leaders, policymakers, innovators, and technology experts to promote responsible and inclusive AI.
The summit is being viewed as a major step in strengthening India’s leadership in digital public infrastructure and reinforcing its commitment to building an AI ecosystem that prioritizes equity, inclusion, and sustainable development.
