Towards gender-inclusive digital policy

AI and gender equality in the workplace

The main aim of this conference was to explore the intersection of gender inequality and the transformative impact of AI in the European workplace, while identifying actionable solutions rooted in the principles of social democracy to ensure a fair and inclusive digital transition.

By bringing together diverse stakeholders to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration on gender equality in an AI-driven world, the conference addressed the following key questions:

• How can we encourage EU and national institutions to take a more proactive approach in fully integrating women’s rights into digital policies?
• How can we advance women’s rights in the development of digital ecosystem in Europe?
• How can we strengthen AI literacy in the workplace to ensure equal opportunities for all?
• What strategies can be implemented to address gender inequalities in occupational safety and health?

PLENARY SESSION (FEPS-led fringe event)

Ivana Bartoletti, Vice President, Global Data Privacy and AI Governance Officer at Wipro and author of FEPS Primer “A Digital Union based on European values” delivered the keynote speech. The plenary addressed how artificial intelligence systems risk perpetuating and amplifying gender biases unless ethical standards and diverse representation are embedded throughout their development, deployment, and use. Drawing on Ivana Bartoletti’s work, it highlighted the need for stronger governance, transparency, and gender-inclusive digital policies – particularly within the EU – to ensure that AI fosters gender equality rather than reinforcing existing inequalities.  

The follow-up political panel raised critical questions such as: How can we encourage EU and national institutions to take a more proactive approach in fully integrating women’s rights into digital policy frameworks?

WORKSHOP 1: BETWEEN THE AI CRACKS: CAN THE EU LEAD THE WAY IN SHAPING AN INCLUSIVE DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM? (FEPS-led fringe event)

As AI systems become increasingly embedded in our societies, their impact on equality and non-discrimination raises urgent challenges, particularly around automation, bias, accountability, and fundamental rights. This workshop explored the risks and potential of AI for equality across key EU policy areas — from employment and health to education and security — highlighting the need for specific workplace AI regulations and an intersectional approach to building a fairer digital ecosystem. It also examined how policymakers can respond to the growing power of Big Tech while ensuring AI systems promote fairness, transparency, and accountability.

This parallel workshop was hosted by the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) in partnership with the Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung (FES), Gender5+ and the EUGENDERING Jean Monnet Chair.

For more information regarding this event or the other parallel workshops, you can either consult Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Future of Work‘s website or contact Laeticia Thissen, Senior Policy Analyst on Gender Equality, FEPS (laeticia.thissen@feps-europe.eu) and Monty Aal, Policy analyst on Digital (monty.aal@feps-europe.eu).