Mind the Gap: A Reflection on the Drivers of Women’s Low Labour Force Participation in Italy and on the Way Forward

Italy’s gender gap in employment remains stark. In 2023, 63.8% of women of prime earning age (25-54 years) were employed in Italy compared with 83.7% of men, vs. 77.1% of women in Europe. Employment disparities hinge on partnership status and region: single women have higher employment rates than mothers, especially those with preschoolers, while women in the north outperform their southern counterparts. Cultural norms, insufficient childcare and eldercare services, and limited flexible working arrangements contribute to these employment gaps. Although younger generations of women are, on average, higher educated than their male peers, this educational advantage is far from being translated into labour market edges. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive policy reforms aimed at supporting the work-life balance, expanding accessible child- and eldercare services, and redefining gender roles.