Bridging the Gender Gap

Gender gaps are still dominant in our economies. From educational attainment to labor market participation, wages and careers, these gaps emerge early in life and persist across the lifecycle. Although significant progress has been made in the last decades, the pace of change has been slow and gender gaps remain substantial. According to the World Economic Forum, it will take more than 130 years to close gender gaps across the world. In Europe, the Gender Equality Index published by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) provides a clear measure of progress. As of 2024, Europe achieved a score of 71 out of 100, indicating progress but still falling short of full equality. Significant disparities persist across countries, emphasizing the need for policies that consider the specific socioeconomic and cultural contexts of each country.

The final score depends on several components. Women in the EU surpass men in educational attainment, with higher rates of university graduation across all Member States. However, women remain underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, limiting their participation in some of the most important and rewarding sectors of current and future economies. 

The domain of power has seen the most significant improvement in recent years. Women’s representation in decision-making positions, both in politics and business, has increased markedly. In 2024, women made up 33% of members in national parliaments across the EU, a stable figure compared to 2023 but up by 10 percentage points since 2010. Progress in corporate leadership has also been substantial, with women now holding 34% of board seats in the largest publicly listed companies, up from 28% in 2019. This improvement is largely attributed to the implementation of board gender quotas. In Italy, one of the first EU countries to implement board gender quotas, the share of women on boards of listed companies has now exceeded 40%. 

The labor market remains the most challenging area for achieving gender equality. While women’s employment in the EU has increased, a significant employment gap persists, standing at 15 percentage points on average. Italy shows the worst indicator: only 51% of women are employed. This stagnation highlights the need for stronger and systemic policies. 

The unequal distribution of caregiving responsibilities remains a significant barrier to gender equality in both professional and personal spheres. According to EIGE, 34% of women in the EU provide daily care for children, elderly family members or individuals with disabilities, compared to 25% of men. The gender gap widens considerably among couples with children, where 65% of women and 46% of men are primary caregivers. 

Gender gaps are deeply rooted in historical and cultural contexts, making them difficult to address. However, policies may play an important role. For example, board gender quotas have not only increased women’s representation in leadership roles but also improved board qualifications without negatively impacting performance. Policy interventions addressing structural inequalities and entrenched cultural norms are essential for accelerating progress. A comprehensive approach is needed, including daycare centers, paternity leave, jobs with flexible arrangements, work-life balance initiatives, inclusive leadership, training programs and initiatives to reduce biases within firms.

The landscape of gender equality is becoming increasingly complex, particularly in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). While AI offers new opportunities for both men and women, it also presents new challenges. Concerns persist regarding the demand for new skills – skills that women may disproportionately lack – and the shifting economic landscape, which could create additional barriers to women’s progress. To advance gender equality, it is essential to understand the root causes and consequences of gender gaps and how they evolve in the face of technological change.

The global progress on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) faces additional challenges in the face of a more conservative political climate. In the United States, major corporations such as Amazon and Meta have scaled back their DEI programs. These companies argue that true inclusion can be achieved without “giving preferential treatment to certain groups”. This rollback, especially following Trump’s re-election, signals a significant shift in corporate attitudes toward DEI initiatives. 

In Europe, the approach to DEI has historically been less polarized, with “woke culture” playing a less dominant role. Discussions surrounding DEI policies remain active, with gender equality taking a central stage. EU institutions continue to play a pivotal role in advancing equality through directives on sustainability and gender quotas in corporate governance. These efforts demonstrate the EU’s commitment to fostering a more equitable society across Member States.

In this complex and rapidly evolving context, role models are increasingly recognized as a powerful and uncontroversial tool to address gender inequality. By showcasing successful women in diverse fields, role models challenge cultural stereotypes and inspire future generations. Combined with effective policies, such as those promoting education in STEM and supporting work-life balance, role models can be a powerful driver for change, ensuring that progress toward gender equality is both sustained and accelerated.