Designing a fair workplace for everyone: eQualPRO in Lithuania

On 23 January 2026, CESI’s eQualPRO project held a national event in Kaunas, Lithuania, focused on “Gender Equality at the Workplace in the Face of Artificial Intelligence.” Hosted at the BLC Business Center (BELO conference room), the meeting brought together trade union representatives and equality stakeholders to explore how fast-growing AI use is reshaping work—and what this means for equal opportunities, rights, and workplace fairness.

From policy developments to workplace reality

The agenda connected the European policy debate with practical workplace challenges. A first set of contributions looked at how gender equality is advanced through social partner action, including the work carried out within CESI’s structures dedicated to women’s rights and gender equality.

The programme then moved to new EU-level developments and what they imply for employers, workers, and social dialogue—highlighting the relevance of recent EU directives and how they can support gender equality in the workplace when properly implemented.

AI as both an opportunity and a risk

A core part of the event focused on artificial intelligence and inequality: how AI may help address disparities (for example through better data and more targeted measures), but also how it can reinforce bias or exclusion if systems are designed or deployed without safeguards. This discussion emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability and inclusive design when AI is used in work-related settings.

Trade union strategies and open exchange

The second half of the day centred on trade union activities and future strategies, with a dedicated session to discuss how sectoral organisations can strengthen gender equality in the context of digital transformation. The event concluded with open-format discussions, allowing participants to share experiences, identify needs, and exchange ideas for concrete follow-up actions under eQualPRO.

Through this Lithuania event, eQualPRO continued to support peer learning and practical dialogue on how to ensure that the transition toward AI-enabled workplaces contributes to equal opportunities and fair working conditions for all.