The journey towards gender equality in companies is a steady but slow march, marked by modest but significant progress in female economic participation and steps towards equal pay. Although the number of women in specialist positions is increasing, income disparities persist, and female presence in leadership roles remains insufficient.
What is Gender Equality?
Gender equality aims to bridge the so-called "gender gap," the divide between men and women in various areas of daily life, from politics to economics, education, and health. The Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum suggests that it might still take 132 years to achieve true gender equality globally.
Causes of the lack of Gender Equality
In Italy, for example, female economic participation is particularly low, ranking the country last in the European Union. This lack of equality has its roots in deeply ingrained cultural stereotypes that see women more involved in family responsibilities than in the labor market. Such stereotypes influence women's willingness to seek part-time or lower-paying jobs, consequently limiting their career advancement.
Equal Pay and the Gender Pay Gap
The gender pay gap refers to the average salary difference between men and women. Although it is a global issue, with an average of 20% as highlighted by the Global Wage Report of the International Labour Organization, the pay gap is complicated by various factors including the type of work performed, access to education, and hours worked.
Reducing the Gender Gap in Companies
To address these disparities, a cultural shift within companies is essential. Welfare measures specifically designed for women, such as supporting work-life balance and caring for children or the elderly, can make a big difference.
Italian legislation has made significant strides, such as Law 162/2021, which mandates a biennial report on the female personnel situation in companies with more than 50 employees, thus promoting transparency and concrete actions towards gender equality.
The role of GMDE and the support of the Lombardy Region
As part of its support for socially relevant projects, the Lombardy Region contributes to GMDE's 'Gender Equality' project, a significant project that reflects a growing regional commitment to promoting gender equity in companies.
GMDE has enthusiastically embraced this project, voluntarily applying for UNI/PdR 125:2022 certification to empower women and create an inclusive work environment where everyone can have the same professional growth and development opportunities.
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