On Thursday, March 6, the Community of Practice on Gender Equality gathered for a new meeting to explore the topic in light of the challenges posed by digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
The event took place at the Tullio De Mauro Fund, within the spaces of the Italian Network for Popular Culture, and was attended by 14 participants from 11 partner organizations of Torino Social Impact, all interested in deepening their understanding of gender equality dynamics.
The discussion was led by Monica Cerutti, an expert in gender policies and former Regional Minister for Equal Opportunities and Immigration of the Piedmont Region, followed by contributions from Sloweb and Fondazione Piemonte Innova.
AI and the gender gap: the risk of reinforcing inequalities
Monica Cerutti opened the discussion by posing a fundamental question: Is artificial intelligence an opportunity or an obstacle for gender equality? The answer, as emerged from the discussion, is not straightforward—it largely depends on the approach adopted.
One of the most critical aspects highlighted concerns how AI, through its generative models, replicates and amplifies existing patterns found in data and society. This “multiplier effect” can perpetuate gender stereotypes, reinforcing existing disparities in the population.
In light of these risks, the challenge and goal is to build a strong alliance between AI and gender equality, using technology to reduce long-standing imbalances rather than reinforce them.
Ethics and the digital world: what challenges lie ahead?
The first part of the afternoon featured a talk by Gianni Garbarini, a member of Sloweb, who delved into the ethical aspects of digital technologies. He reflected on ways to promote a more responsible use of the web and examined the impact of technology on both society and the environment.
Garbarini shared concrete examples and key insights, encouraging a more mindful approach to the digital world.
The DEA Project: a concrete tool for reducing the gender gap
Next, Alessandra Buffa and Federica Lombardi from Fondazione Piemonte Innova introduced a practical initiative: the DEA Project – Digital, Equity, Actions.
Launched by Fondirigenti and coordinated by Fondazione Piemonte Innova and the University of Turin, the DEA Project ran from September 2024 to January 2025, focusing on strategies to reduce the gender gap in STEM careers and managerial roles.
During the meeting, organizations learned about the three main phases of the project:
- Preliminary analysis
- Co-design with companies
- Validation and implementation of results
The discussion also covered the final outcomes, including concrete actions and key skills identified to foster a more inclusive work environment. The project actively involved local businesses and high schools in Turin, ensuring a collaborative and practical approach.
A collaborative effort for change
The meeting concluded with a group activity, where participants evaluated and proposed practical actions to address the gender gap within their own organizations.
By sharing experiences, discussing feasibility and sustainability, and identifying potential obstacles and benefits, attendees had the opportunity to exchange ideas, inspire one another, and contribute to meaningful change in the workplace.
