Italy continues to face structural gender inequalities in employment, pay and political participation, despite gradual progress in education and global rankings, according to new analysis presented by Svimez.
The data, compiled as part of a broader initiative to establish an observatory on gender equality, highlights how disparities remain deeply rooted across regions and sectors, particularly between the north and the Mezzogiorno.
Globally, the gender gap is narrowing slowly. The 2025 Global Gender Gap report shows that 68.8% of the gap has been closed, but at the current pace full parity remains more than a century away. While education and health indicators are close to balance, economic participation and political representation continue to lag significantly.
Italy reflects this imbalance. Female participation in the labour market remains one of the clearest indicators of inequality. In 2024, employment rates for women varied sharply across the country, with the widest gaps in southern regions. In parts of the Mezzogiorno, inactivity among young women exceeds employment, driven largely by family responsibilities and limited opportunities.
The structure of employment also plays a role. Women are far more likely to work part-time, often not by choice. In southern Italy, over 60% of female part-time work is involuntary, compared to around 40% in the centre-north and just over 20% across the EU. These roles are concentrated in sectors such as tourism, retail and personal services, where job stability and wages tend to be lower.
Temporary contracts add further instability. Nearly one in five women is employed on a fixed-term basis, often with fragmented working patterns and inconsistent income. This contributes to what researchers describe as a “second earner” model, where women’s income is treated as supplementary rather than primary.
Pay disparities lead to long-term financial insecurity
Pay disparities remain significant. Women earn less than men across all contract types and regions, but the gap widens in permanent employment. In some cases, a woman in southern Italy earns roughly half as much as a man in the north. Differences are particularly pronounced in lower-skilled roles, where wage gaps can exceed 40%.
These inequalities extend into long-term financial security. Pension data shows that women receive significantly lower payments than men, reflecting years of lower earnings and interrupted careers.
On average women more highly educated than men
Despite these challenges, women in Italy are, on average, more educated than men. Among 25–34-year-olds, a higher proportion of women hold tertiary qualifications. However, this advantage does not translate into equal labour market outcomes, partly due to underrepresentation in high-growth sectors such as STEM and technology.
Entrepreneurship offers some positive signals. Women lead over 22% of Italian businesses, with growing participation in professional and technical sectors. A significant share of these enterprises is based in the south, where female-led businesses are expanding faster than the national average.
Political engagement remains uneven. Women are less likely than men to follow political news or participate in public debate, particularly in southern regions where social and professional networks are weaker. Representation in elected bodies also varies widely, with Italy still below several G20 peers.
The findings underline the need for targeted policies that address both structural and cultural barriers. The proposed observatory aims to collect data, develop indicators and support policy recommendations that treat gender equality as a key driver of economic and social development.
