THEn Italy, despite the words, the debates, the great hopes women continue to fight to be seen, heard and valued as they should. Equality in work and public decisions is still far away and the differences are strong: in the opportunities that are missing, in the responsibilities that weigh the mostin lower salaries compared to those of colleagues, in doors that remain closed because “maybe you want to have a child”. Not that something hasn’t changed, but the road is paved more by promises than by facts. And, among those that we hope will be transformed into concrete action, a new tool arrives: a gender equality thermometer.
Gender equality, a thermometer to measure it
This new tool which measures to what extent equality exists or does not exist in the Public Administration, however, will not only serve to check data: it will also serve to understand whether the actions of schools, hospitals, ministries and other public bodies are really reducing inequalitieswhether the decisions made improve women’s lives or remain only on paper. Also because the numbers recorded show a reality that is not too encouraging and how the path is still long.
An unencouraging reality
In 2024, only 53.3% of women aged 15 to 64 were working, versus 70% of men and below the European average. But to worry almost even more, it is female inactivityespecially high in the South, where more than half of women do not work and unemployment remains higher than among men. These are important figures, which tell stories of denied opportunities, of talents left in the shadows and of often invisible sacrifices.
Measuring the effectiveness of gender policies is not easy, but with the new “thermometer” it becomes possible. (Getty Images)
A tool to understand and (maybe) change things
The “Uni/PdR 180:2026 practice”, the official guide that explains how to concretely measure the impact of public policies on gender equalityproviding clear criteria to understand if the decisions taken work, was created precisely for this reason: to provide a tool to public bodies that allows them to evaluate actions before, during and after their application, offering a clear snapshot of their real impact. Obviously, the technical document that will emerge will not be a sheet of paper to be archived, but to be hung clearly visible, having the function of make decisions transparentunderstand where we are wrong, where changes are needed and which interventions really work.
Who will be able to use the gender equality thermometer
The The thermometer will be used in particular by schools, hospitals, ministries and other public bodies who will be able to integrate it into their daily choices: from investment programs to internal policies. The guide thus becomes a real check up of gender policiescapable of making measurable and concrete what until now remained only a principle.
Because it really matters
This “thermometer”, if used first and foremost and if used as it should be done, it could become a tool that makes a difference and that could also change lives. Providing tools with clear lines to evaluate decisions means giving value to talent, guaranteeing concrete opportunities and building a more just and inclusive Public Administration. AND, in a country where disparities still weigh on us every daybeing able to measure the impact of public choices is another small step towards turning words into action. At least that’s the hope.
