DIGITAL SUBMISSION: HOW AI COMPANIONS PORTRAY FEMALE OPPRESSION IN COMPANION THROUGH THE LENS OF TECHNOFEMINISM

The paper explores Feminist Technoscience, as proposed by Judy Wajcman, examining how male-dominated ideologies shape technology and reinforce gender constructs. It applies this theory to the Indian sci-fi film Companion (2025), which features Iresh, a robotic AI portrayed as a controlled object, highlighting real-world gender discrimination. The study reveals that despite advancements in gender equity, female AI representations continue to embody subordination and emotional suppression. Employing methodologies like audience reception analysis and qualitative film analysis, the research shows that AI reflects prevailing gender biases, arguing that the feminisation of AI perpetuates socio-cultural oppression. Ultimately, it calls for rethinking AI development to promote social justice rather than historical oppression.