eQualPRO in Poland: Advancing gender equality in the digital age

On 4 December 2025, CESI organised a national sectoral conference on gender equality in the era of digitalisation and artificial intelligence in Bydgoszcz, Poland, with the support of its Polish member organisation WZZ. The event took place within the framework of the EU co-funded project "eQualPRO".

The conference brought together representatives of trade unions, public institutions, social partners and experts from across the public sector to examine how digital transformation and artificial intelligence are reshaping the world of work, with a particular focus on their impact on women’s equality, opportunities and working conditions.

Discussions focused on the legal, institutional and policy dimensions of gender equality in the context of rapid technological change. Participants highlighted both the opportunities offered by digitalisation, such as increased flexibility and access to employment, and the challenges, including unequal access to digital skills, persistent gender pay gaps and the risk of bias embedded in algorithmic systems.

The role of European and national policies in promoting gender equality was emphasised, alongside the importance of social dialogue and cooperation between trade unions, employers and public authorities to ensure that technological transitions are fair, inclusive and sustainable.

A key element of the programme was a cross-sectoral panel discussion, gathering perspectives from education, healthcare, uniformed services, employers’ organisations and labour inspection authorities. The exchange addressed gender equality in both female-dominated and male-dominated professions, enabling a comprehensive discussion grounded in practical experience.

The debate examined gender equality from three perspectives:

• Past – the contribution of EU action to advancing gender equality and the progress achieved
• Present – current challenges faced by women at work, including digitalisation, telework and changing work organisation
• Future – strategies to address risks related to artificial intelligence and to harness data and innovation in support of equality

The conference facilitated a practical exchange of experiences, highlighted good practices, and contributed to the formulation of recommendations aimed at reducing gender inequalities in employment, career progression and pay. It also strengthened cooperation between social partners and institutions at local, national and European level.

By addressing gender equality through the lens of digitalisation and artificial intelligence, the event reinforced CESI’s commitment to equal opportunities, social dialogue and decent working conditions in Europe’s evolving world of work.