by Guisela Chiarella
A recent report from INPS (Italian National Institute of Social Security) has shed light on the persistent gender pay gap in Italy, revealing that women earn, on average, 20% less than men per day. This disparity is especially pronounced in certain sectors. In real estate activities, women earn 39.9% less, and in professional, scientific, and technical services, the gap reaches 35.1%. Even within the public sector, the difference remains substantial, with women working in healthcare and universities earning nearly 20% less than their male counterparts.
Education vs. Career Progression
Despite women outpacing men in educational attainment, this advantage does not seem to translate into better career opportunities. In 2023, women made up 52.6% of high school graduates and 59.9% of university graduates, yet they remain underrepresented in leadership roles. Only 21% of executives are women, and just 32.4% of middle managers are female. Additionally, 29.4% of employed women are overqualified for their jobs, with this figure exceeding 40% among women aged 25-34.
Family Responsibilities and Limited Childcare Support
The report also highlights the disproportionate burden of family responsibilities on women. In 2023, women took 14.4 million days of parental leave, compared to just 2.1 million days taken by men. The lack of adequate childcare services exacerbates this imbalance. Only three regions—Umbria, Emilia-Romagna, and Valle d’Aosta—meet the target of 45 nursery school spots per 100 children under two years old.
Long-Term Impact on Pensions
The gender disparity in Italy extends well into retirement. Women in Italy receive pensions that are, on average, 47% lower than those of men. This gap is attributed to shorter careers, lower wages, and a higher percentage of women receiving survivor’s pensions instead of their own contributory pensions.
Roberta Nunin, full professor of Labor Law at the University of Trieste underlines the fact that disparity lies in the cultural roots of Italian society. “It will take years to change the belief that women are the ones to take care of the kids and the elderly, but we are moving in the right direction.”
The INPS report underscores that, despite significant advances in education, women in Italy continue to face considerable inequalities in the labor market, particularly in terms of wages and career growth opportunities. These findings signal the urgent need for policy interventions to address these ongoing gender disparities.
