On Friday, 6 March 2026, the conference "Artificial Intelligence and Gender Equality" ("Intelligenza Artificiale e Parità di Genere"), organised by the Municipality of Genoa, will take place at Palazzo Tursi (Salone di Rappresentanza, Via Garibaldi 9, Genoa). The initiative offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary reflection on the relationship between technological development, AI, and gender issues, focusing particularly on algorithmic bias, opportunities for female entrepreneurship, and perspectives on truly inclusive innovation.
The event is held under the patronage of the University of Genoa and its Equal Opportunities Committee.
Programme
Institutional Greetings
Dr. Rita Bruzzone – City Council Member (Assessora) for Educational Services, Right to Education, Training, HR, Equal Opportunities, and Gender Policies
Moderators
Dr. Laura Testoni – Director of the Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Library, University of Genoa
Dr. Alberto Bruzzone – Journalist for La Repubblica
Presentations & Speakers
Algorithmic Unfairness: AI Can Do Anything, Even Discriminate
Dr. Irene Buselli, PhD in Cybersecurity and Reliable AI
The Future of AI Between Innovation and Equity: Preventing Bias From Becoming Systemic
Dr. Rita Bencivenga, University of Genoa, Expert in Gender Policies and Digital Innovation
Artificial Intelligence and Female Entrepreneurship: Data, Challenges, and Opportunities
Dr. Marina D’Andre, Head of Labour, Credit, Customs and Protest Sector – Genoa Chamber of Commerce
LIGURIA Project: New Leadership for More Inclusive Artificial Intelligence
Dr. Valentina Canepa, Head of Research and Technological Innovation – Confindustria Genoa
Inclusive Algorithms: The AI Act as a Shield for the LGBTQ+ Community
Dr. Angela Sebastianelli, Head of Marketing Strategy and Sales Operation Excellence at Var Group
Artificial Intelligence and the Challenge of Gender Neutrality
Eng. Antonio Monne and Mr. Carlo Pesce, Genoa Makers’ Village APS
Bridging Technology, Rights, and Inclusion
The conference contributes to the ongoing debate on the ethical and social implications of artificial intelligence. While AI serves as a powerful driver of innovation, it can also replicate—or even exacerbate—inequalities and stereotypes embedded in training data and systems.
Bringing together academics, cybersecurity experts, public institution representatives, industry leaders, and non-profit organisations, the event aims to analyse the risks of algorithmic discrimination, promote equitable technology development, and highlight women's contributions to digital innovation.
Open to the public, institutions, academia, and local businesses, this event provides a space to reflect on building a fairer, more inclusive, and responsible technological future.