GenderBrix: AI-Enhanced Communication for Inclusive Workplaces

Use Case:

Development of a prototype chatbot that supports HR professionals in creating gender-neutral job ads internal policies and public messaging by detecting implicit gender biases using AI-driven NLP models and annotated ontologies.

Outcome:

Feasibility confirmed for an AI tool that leverages fine-tuned LLMs (e.g., ChatGPT) to enhance workplace inclusivity; Robust ontology and annotation strategy for gender bias identification; Simplified deployment plan focusing on one language and one bias type (gender diversity); Initial HR pilot engagement for market validation.

Ecosystem Support:

StairwAI support in developing feasibility plans, mentoring on business and AI adoption, and access to the AI Adoption Canvas methodology.

AI Relevance:

GenderBrix illustrates how AI can be democratized for D&I by: I) repurposing existing LLMs through domain-specific annotation and ontologies; II) enabling practical low-barrier use in HR departments via chatbot interfaces; III) empowering SMEs to address workplace equity using AI tools; IV) piloting AI adoption through structured mentoring, feedback loops, and feasibility testing.

Summary:

Atelierul de Idei, a Romanian SME active in civic innovation, developed GenderBrix with the goal of addressing gender bias in workplace communication through artificial intelligence. The solution centers on a prototype chatbot trained on annotated HR datasets, capable of evaluating textual content—such as job postings or policy documents—and suggesting neutral rewordings. The system relies on domain-specific ontologies and a guided annotation framework to ensure consistent identification of biased language. Technical risks such as dataset diversity and annotator agreement were mitigated by focusing the pilot on one language and one type of bias. On the business side, the team explored adoption readiness in Romania’s corporate sector and plans to refine the model based on real-world HR feedback. GenderBrix represents an important step toward accessible, purpose-driven AI that promotes diversity in the European labor market.