Alessandra Chirico, PhD
Achieving gender equality isn’t just about fairness—it’s about strategy.
In a world racing towards innovation and economic transformation, sidelining 50% of the talent pool is not just unfair; it’s bad business. The numbers don’t lie: eliminating the gender pay gap and increasing female employment in the G20 countries could inject $11.1 trillion into the global economy. That’s 12.3% of G20’s GDP. Imagine leaving that kind of money on the table simply because of outdated biases.
Yet, here we are. Economic emancipation is not enough when only 58% of Italian women even have a personal bank account. When work conditions continue to push women out instead of lifting them up. When the gap between policy commitments and real-world change remains strong, that’s where data and action come into the picture.
The Women’s Empowerment Observatory, launched by The European House-Ambrosetti is here to track, measure, and demand progress. Through key analytical tools like the Women's Empowerment Progress Index (WEPI) and the EU SheWorks Index, the Observatory provides a detailed assessment of both achievements and ongoing challenges. The WEPI, in particular, evaluates women's empowerment across essential areas, including:
- Economic participation
- Political representation
- Access to education
- Health and quality of life
The findings are clear: when women thrive, economies flourish. Countries that embrace this reality—such as Germany, which introduced a minimum wage in 2015—have successfully reduced gender pay disparities, particularly for lower-income workers. The blueprint for success exists. The question is: who’s willing to follow it?
Future-Proofing the Workforce: The STEM Imperative
A crucial takeaway from ongoing discussions is the urgent need to prepare the workforce for future challenges. Although the number of STEM graduates is increasing, the pace remains too slow to match the rising demand for skills in these sectors. Even more troubling is the stark gender disparity: men outnumber women nearly two to one in STEM fields.
Investing in women's education and training in STEM is a game-changer—not just for gender equality, but for innovation and economic resilience. Fostering more inclusive talent pipelines will ensure that industries driving the future—AI, cybersecurity, biotechnology—aren’t shaped by only half the population.
Transparency: A Non-Negotiable for Progress
Beyond education and employment, another key factor in advancing gender equality is transparency. Improving the collection and dissemination of gender-related data is essential for effective policy monitoring. Without clear metrics, progress is difficult to measure, and without measurement, accountability remains weak. Governments and the private sector must commit to greater transparency to enable evidence-based policy making that drives meaningful change.
Leadership & High-Profile Advocates: The Draghi Vision
In this context, it is impossible to ignore the contributions of influential figures like Mario Draghi, who has often emphasized that gender equality is central to economic recovery and national progress.
This perspective acknowledges a fundamental truth: fully leveraging female potential is critical to addressing today’s economic and social challenges. The conversation is no longer about "if" gender equality matters, but how quickly we can turn commitment into concrete action.
The case of Women4Cyber: Building an Inclusive Digital Future in Cybersecurity
One initiative setting ambitious goals for gender parity is Women4Cyber, a community dedicated to achieving 50/50 gender balance in cybersecurity by 2050. This effort is more than symbolic—ensuring equal representation in cybersecurity will strengthen Europe's digital resilience and enhance the region’s ability to respond to the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world. An inclusive digital ecosystem is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
The Bottom Line: No More Excuses, Only Action 🚀
The empowerment of women and the pursuit of gender equality are not just moral imperatives—they are strategic necessities for sustainable development and global competitiveness.
Investing in women means investing in the future—one that is inclusive, resilient, and prosperous.
2025 must be the year where turn gender equality into the cornerstone of real, measurable progress.
Let’s make it happen!