#eQualPROCampaign: Where is gender equality in the AI era?

Artificial intelligence and digitalisation are reshaping work across Europe. However, without adequate safeguards, they risk reinforcing long-standing gender inequalities.

The #eQualPROCampaign is a dynamic initiative developed under the EU co-funded eQualPRO project of the European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (CESI). The campaign promotes gender equality in workplaces across Europe by raising awareness of the challenges women face in the digital and AI era, while highlighting the pivotal role of trade unions and social partners in shaping gender-responsive policies capable of delivering fairer and more equal workplaces.

Turning gender equality into real workplace change

The eQualPRO project was launched to ensure that equality does not lag behind innovation. In a fast-paced digital world, gender equality risks being marginalised—or even undermined—by technological change. By addressing biases embedded in digital tools and strengthening the capacity of trade unions, eQualPRO promotes a gender-balanced framework in which regulation and innovation evolve in parallel.

The project equips trade unions and social partners with concrete tools to monitor, influence and enforce gender equality at work, including in the context of AI and digitalisation.

Key project activities

Key activities under the eQualPRO project include:

• National conferences: Hybrid sectoral conferences hosted by CESI member organisations across EU countries, focusing on the latest developments and updates from EU institutions on gender equality strategies and targets.
• European conferences: European-level conferences exploring strategies to bridge gender gaps and foster inclusivity in Europe’s evolving digital and industrial landscape.
• Training seminars: Hybrid European training seminars aimed at providing national trade union representatives with key updates on equality legislation, relevant data and policy publications.

A shared responsibility for a fair digital transition

eQualPRO demonstrates that transparency, gender awareness and strong social dialogue are essential to achieving a fair and inclusive digital transition.

The project confirms that gender inequality at work remains measurable and persistent across the EU:

• Women continue to earn less, are more likely to work part-time, and remain under-represented in decision-making and ICT roles.
• Structural barriers continue to slow career progression and limit women’s influence over digital and organisational change.

While the EU AI Act represents a significant step forward, eQualPRO finds that it is not gender-proof by default. Weak provisions on gender impact assessments and worker participation risk leaving structural inequalities unaddressed. A gender-focused and equality-driven approach to AI regulation is essential: AI is not neutral. Biased data and male-dominated development teams can reproduce discrimination in recruitment, pay and promotion.

Trade unions therefore play a crucial role in demanding:

• Targeted training opportunities for women in STEM and ICT,
• Algorithmic transparency and enforceable audit rights,
• Strong worker representation in AI governance.

Without trade union oversight, AI risks locking in inequality instead of reducing it.

Visual campaigns: Engaging through multimedia

To disseminate its message effectively, the #eQualPROCampaign uses a range of multimedia tools, including campaign videos and infographics. These visual materials translate complex information into accessible messages, highlighting the importance of transparent regulation, unbiased AI systems and the active involvement of trade unions in shaping labour market reforms.

Continuing the impact

The #eQualPROCampaign shows that with transparency, gender awareness and strong social dialogue, a fair and inclusive digital transition is possible. The project’s impact does not end here: it continues through the active engagement of trade unions, transforming principles into enforceable workplace rights.