Ombudswoman Tena Šimonović Einwalter took part on 20 May 2026 in a discussion on algorithmic discrimination in the labour market, held as part of the LegalTech 2026 conference.

Speaking about whether the automation of work and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in the labour market represent a greater opportunity or a greater risk for women, the Ombudswoman pointed out that women are not a homogeneous group. She noted that highly qualified women in managerial positions cannot be viewed in the same way as women positioned lower in the hierarchical structure, who perform routine and repetitive tasks and for whom AI systems may certainly pose a risk.

In the context of the discussion on how to prove algorithmic discrimination, the Ombudswoman emphasised that the legal framework already exists, primarily through the Anti-Discrimination Act, which unfortunately often goes under the radar in labour disputes, resulting in scarce case law in Croatia.

She also added that the AI Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689) classifies systems used in recruitment, assessment of work performance, allocation of shifts and decision-making in human resources management as high-risk systems. For such systems, the AI Act also prescribes the obligation of structurally embedded human oversight.

In addition to Ombudswoman Šimonović Einwalter, the panel featured Lea Ordanić from Span, Lucia Ana Tomić from Wiener Insurance and Vjeran Malenica from Effectus University of Applied Sciences, while the discussion was moderated by Natalija Babić.