Only 14.5% of female university students in Italy are enrolled in a STEM degree program (rising to 24.5% when including men), placing the country below the European average, which barely reaches 26% (source).
While women represent nearly 49.3% of total employment in non-STEM sectors, their presence in STEM fields stands at just 29.2%. Despite a slight increase of 1.58 percentage points since 2015, this figure underscores ongoing gender imbalance in these critical sectors.
According to the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum, a key issue is helping STEM graduates transition from academia into the workforce. Retention is a major challenge, with the percentage of women remaining in STEM roles a year after graduation dropping from 35.5% to 29.6%, and from 38.5% to 31.6% between 2017 and 2021.
Women are underrepresented in all STEM-related jobs, with the only exception being healthcare and social services, where they account for 51.5% of the workforce. In fields like technology, information, and media, the percentage drops dramatically to just 23.4%.
At the leadership level, women in STEM make up 29.4% at entry levels and 29.9% at senior levels. However, their presence declines in managerial roles (25.5%) and executive positions (26.7%), with only 17.8% as VPs and 12.4% in C-suite roles.
EU Initiatives
The European Union has launched multiple initiatives to address these disparities, placing gender equality at the heart of Horizon Europe policies. Projects must include gender equality plans to be eligible for funding. This aims not only to increase women’s participation but also to ensure more inclusive and representative research for society at large.
The Role of Education and Innovation
Education is crucial to closing the gender gap in STEM. A prime example is the NERD? (Not for Women?) project—a collaboration between IBM Italy and the Department of Computer Science at Sapienza University of Rome. The initiative promotes IT to young female students, encouraging them to pursue STEM studies by showcasing computing as a creative, interdisciplinary, and socially driven discipline—areas where women often excel.
A special LinkedIn Live event will be held on Sunday, February 11 at 11 AM with Floriana Ferrara, IBM Italy’s CSR Director and Master Inventor. Recognized by the ENWE – European Network for Women Excellence as one of the most influential women in Europe, Floriana dedicates her skills and enthusiasm to projects that aim to overcome the gender gap.
This LinkedIn live, titled “Women in STEM: Breaking Barriers and Innovating for the Future – Exclusive Dialogue with Floriana Ferrara”, offers a valuable moment to explore strategies and share perspectives to promote gender equality in STEM.
Conclusion
The commitment of Huky srl Società Benefit to gender equality in STEM and entrepreneurship serves as an inspiring example of the role that businesses, institutions, and individuals can play in driving systemic change.
Join us in amplifying the message of this important week and becoming part of a movement dedicated to awareness and education for greater gender equality—both in STEM and in society as a whole.
Connect and share your ideas with us daily on our Telegram group.
