Catalina Espinosa
Research expert covering society, economy, and politics for Europe and the EU
Gender inequality in Italy - statistics & facts
Italian women are significantly suffering from a gender discrimination which causes them unequal treatment in their workplace, remuneration, and engagement in political and social life. In 2024, the country ranked at the 87th place in the global gender gap index. The index benchmarks national differences between men and women on economic, political, education- and health-based criteria, with the purpose of tracking gender-based disparities.
Nonetheless, women’s participation in the country’s institutions recorded some historical milestones. In 2022, Giorgia Meloni became the first female Italian prime minister, and women’s representation in the parliament has constantly increased since 1948. Despite these accomplishments, gender disparity in wages and work opportunities still constitutes a threat to female empowerment, even though for two out of five Italians women have already attained enough rights.
Stereotypes hinder women’s capacity to fully emancipate from ancient social schemes and preconditions and obtain equal rights and treatments, from the workplace to the civil society. Gender motivated violence is often fostered by claims of men’s control over women’s lives. Therefore, measures to support female empowerment and overcoming gender biases are essential steps to promote a more equal and fairer society for all.
Nonetheless, women’s participation in the country’s institutions recorded some historical milestones. In 2022, Giorgia Meloni became the first female Italian prime minister, and women’s representation in the parliament has constantly increased since 1948. Despite these accomplishments, gender disparity in wages and work opportunities still constitutes a threat to female empowerment, even though for two out of five Italians women have already attained enough rights.
Lower salaries and higher unemployment for Italian women
Italy is one of the OECD countries with the lowest pay difference between men and women. However, decisive steps forward are required in providing equal access to employment and good working conditions. Although 2024 female unemployment figures registered the lowest point since at least 2018, they were still above the male rate. On average, male Italian workers are more likely to have a full-time and permanent contract than female employees, who usually have precarious and underpaid jobs. Hence, insecurity significantly hinders women, who traditionally bear family duties alongside their professional career. For this reason, the time spent doing care and domestic work must be equally allocated between all family members. This is a common opinion shared between men and women, as Italians largely believe that staying at home looking after children does not emasculate fathers. Furthermore, more equality in decision-making positions, and a fairer participation in education and training over the life course are needed for avoiding gender segregation.A difficult path towards women’s empowerment
Balancing career with family: more and more women are asked to be able to reconcile their job and care duties, while for male workers, a total dedication to their profession is praised. Gender-related stereotypes are central in fostering inequality between women and men, which can hamper the possibility of both sexes to self realize. Historically, only male workers have been considered the breadwinners, whereas women were expected to take care of the household. Nowadays, only around 20 percent of Italians believe that women have to do so to fully realize their potential. However, Italian female employees are frequently asked about their intention of having babies and their commitment to work and family. As fewer men have to confront with these requests from their employers, women assert that male workers have more possibilities to advance in their career and to receive an appropriate salary.Stereotypes hinder women’s capacity to fully emancipate from ancient social schemes and preconditions and obtain equal rights and treatments, from the workplace to the civil society. Gender motivated violence is often fostered by claims of men’s control over women’s lives. Therefore, measures to support female empowerment and overcoming gender biases are essential steps to promote a more equal and fairer society for all.
