Regional Inequalities in Gender Equality: Insights from the Italian Context (2015-2022)

The analysis of gender inequalities requires the support of a comprehensive set of quantitative data that allows for an exploration of this issue across its various dimensions. This presentation examines the Italian context between 2015 and 2022, building a dataset of variables that, as closely as possible, reflect the structure of the Gender Equality Index developed by the European Institute for Gender Equality. Although many variables can be calculated at the regional level, a number of indicators must be revised due to the lack of available data at this level. The results reveal the complexity of regional inequalities in Italy and confirm the well-known gap between southern Italian regions and the rest of the country. The analysis highlights the growing need to shift from a national-level analysis to a regional one, in order to identify areas of the country with the lowest cohesion in this regard.

This regional focus is crucial for understanding how gender inequalities manifest differently across territories, and for informing targeted policy interventions. The findings underscore the importance of improving data availability at the regional level to enable a more nuanced and effective evaluation of gender disparities. By adopting a more localized approach, it is possible to better identify areas of critical need and tailor strategies to address the specific challenges faced by different regions. This shift would also allow for a deeper understanding of the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to these inequalities, ultimately fostering more equitable development across Italy.