As part of the “FinTechProfil – Innovative Technology for Assessing Investors’ Risk Profiles” project, on 20 August 2026 we organised and delivered the online workshop “Gender Equality, Gender Stereotypes, Non-Discrimination and Inclusion”, intended for project team members and representatives of the project partners.
The workshop was held as part of project activities related to the implementation of horizontal principles, with the aim of raising awareness and strengthening knowledge of gender equality, equal opportunities, non-discrimination, inclusion and accessibility, as well as their practical application throughout the implementation of the FinTechProfil project.
In addition to gender equality and a gender-sensitive approach, the workshop addressed gender stereotypes and unconscious biases and the ways in which they can affect task allocation, decision-making, professional development, everyday communication and project representation.
An important part of the workshop focused on applying the principles of non-discrimination and inclusion in the development of digital solutions. In the context of the FinTechProfil project, the discussion covered understandable user processes, neutral and inclusive language, avoidance of stereotypes in content, the inclusion of diverse user groups in testing where possible, as well as user interface accessibility and the availability of support channels.
We also paid particular attention to the potential transfer of human and unconscious biases into digital solutions. Unconscious biases can be reflected at different stages of development – from data and its representativeness, through assessment criteria and model logic, to testing with different users and scenarios and the way results and recommendations are presented. In this context, we considered the elements that require particular attention during the development of the FinTechProfil solution, including data, model logic and criteria, explainability of results, and the possibility for users to submit queries and complaints.
The workshop also addressed accessibility, universal design and reasonable accommodation. Within the project, accessibility is considered from the very beginning of solution development, with the aim of removing barriers that may make it more difficult for people with different needs to use digital products and services. Particular emphasis was placed on a simple and intuitive user interface, content readability, clear structure and straightforward navigation.
Through practical examples and joint discussion, we explored how horizontal principles can be integrated into the day-to-day work and collaboration of project partners, as well as into the development of the FinTechProfil solution. In this way, gender equality, non-discrimination, inclusion and accessibility are viewed not merely as project obligations, but as principles embedded throughout the project – from the organisation of the project team’s work to the development of a solution designed for end users.
💫The FinTechProfil project is co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Competitiveness and Cohesion Programme 2021–2027, within the Call “IRI S3 – Increasing the development of new products and services resulting from research and development activities” (PK.1.1.12).
The sole responsibility for the content of this post lies with the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Union or the competent authorities involved in the project implementation.
