“This training changed how I see technology and my responsibility within it” - said one of the 21 young ICT professionals of the training Ethical by Design: Integrating Gender Equality into Digital Innovation conducted in November 2025 in Georgia. This first of its kind event aimed at understanding ethical and gender-sensitive technology design. The workshop brought together developers, data specialists, UX designers, and cybersecurity learners to explore how digital systems can both reinforce and prevent gender inequalities, including technology-facilitated violence against women (TFVAW).

Participants examined how gender norms and unconscious biases influence decision-making in technology development. They also learned about key international standards such as the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention), Framework Convention on AI and GREVIO’s General Recommendation on the digital dimension of violence against women.

Natalia Voutova, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Georgia, highlighted how gender norms and stereotypes shape human behaviour — and, in turn, how these patterns influence the technologies people design and use. “Human biases have already been incorporated into artificial intelligence, and we know that gender bias is one of the biggest challenges in AI,” she noted. International expert Andrej Petrovski led interactive discussions on ethical risks in digital tools, algorithmic bias, and emerging challenges linked to TFVAW.

Participants also engaged in a mini-hackathon, where they were challenged to develop practical, technology-driven solutions to promote gender equality and close existing gaps. Working in teams, they generated creative ideas — from designing tools specifically aimed at advancing gender equality to embedding a gender lens into broader digital products and using technology’s potential to prevent harm.

Participants emphasised the value of the interactive approach, the supportive learning environment, and the opportunity to rethink the role of ICT professionals in building safer digital spaces. One participant noted: “I now know how to respond when I see early signs of harassment online - and how to design tools that do not unintentionally cause harm.” Others shared plans to reassess organisational practices, raise awareness among peers, and prioritise gender-sensitive design.

The initiative was organised in the framework of the project “Reinforcing gender equality and implementing GREVIO recommendations to combat violence against women and domestic violence in Georgia”. The Project is a part of the Council of Europe Action Plan to Georgia 2024-2027.