Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly shaping how we live, work, and make decisions. Yet without robust gender data, AI systems risk replicating and amplifying existing inequalities. Today, only 30% of countries publish gender-relevant data, and nearly half of those datasets lack sex disaggregation. At the current pace, it will take 22 years to close the global gender data gaps for the SDGs.
This new Data2X report makes the case that AI is only as fair as the data behind it. It explores how gender data gaps affect AI across sectors—from finance and health to agriculture and climate—and outlines concrete recommendations for governments, donors, civil society, and the private sector.
The report underscores a clear message: investing in inclusive, high-quality gender data is essential to ensure AI advances equality rather than reinforces bias.