Overview

• A new Ipsos survey shows two-thirds of Italian youth are unaware of the country's STEM graduate gap compared to Europe, and over 90% underestimate the decline in female enrollments over the past decade.
• MSD Italia and Sapienza University launched the 'Donne e STEAM: da gap a plus' project, symbolized by Lorenzo Quinn’s sculpture 'Urania’s passion,' to unite art and science in addressing gender stereotypes.
• Sapienza University has implemented initiatives like transdisciplinary courses and the #100ragazzeSTEM scholarship program, leading to improved academic performance among female STEM graduates.
• Despite progress in education, Istat data highlights persistent labor market inequalities, with a female employment rate of 53.5% and only 3% of CEO roles held by women in Italy.
• The STEAM approach, blending science and art, is gaining traction as a tool to promote creativity, inclusivity, and greater engagement of women in scientific fields.