Gender pay-gap Italy (finally) makes its entrance in the new century

It is known to many that Italy – sometimes – finds itself at the back when it comes to keeping it up with other nations on gender equality and many other social issues. What is clear to the vast majority of Italians may not be as clear to the politicians who are in charge of the wellbeing of the population.

But let’s do a little recap: here you can find some data that can be useful.

First of all, it is important to underline that gender inequality spreads in many fields: it goes from pay disparities to social status. For instance, did you know that until not that much time ago, female Olympic athletes could not be considered as professionals because rules (when they had been written down) simply did not even thought about women in sports? Sacrilege! Furthermore, many workers sadly lost their occupations due to Covid-19 crisis yet, studies have shown that the highest percentage among them were women. In Italy way many more women actually graduate from university, however, executive and managerial positions are occupied by men with a lower level of education.

An archaic mentality reflects itself on society and Italy is great proof of it. Nevertheless, we do make some teeny steps into modernity (with great delay, for sure): finally, on October 13th , the Chamber of Deputies unanimously approved the draft for reducing first and delete after, the pay-gap between male and female workers. The unified text is composed by six articles, which all propose some changes of the current Code of Equal Opportunities which was last touched in 2006. It is a fundamental step forward, if we consider that by the time we are reading this article, the gap rises to 4.7% but can reach 43% if we take into consideration the gap net of employment rates and hours of work.

If we reflect on the fact that it took us so much time just to approve a draft that guarantees basic human rights, we might feel disillusioned. Actually, we have all the rights to also feel somehow mocked by the Institutions in charge.

On the other hand, I want to underline the positive in this. We have been heard and for the first time in ages, political opponents worked together for an issue that has no political flag. Considering how politics work in our nation, I suggest this is a remarkable move.

We still have a long way in front of us and we must not surrender, for sure. But we need to acknowledge what it has been done: if we shout out loud enough, they will have to listen. Full stop.

Articolo a cura di: Victoria Pevere