TOThe eve of women’s day are different investigations that focus on the presence of women in managerial rolesin the EU and Italy. THE‘EU Labour Force Surveythe main statistical source on the EU labor market notes that in 2023 Women manager in the European Union reached 3.7 million, recording an increase compared to 3.1 million in 2014. In Italy, the share of women in managerial positions in 2023 stood at around 29%: a figure much lower than the average of the European Union (34.8%) and far from the highest percentages recorded in countries such as Sweden (43.7%), Latvia (42.9%) and Poland (42.3%).
Women manager, where are we
Confirms the growth of female manageriality, which recorded an increase of 101.5% from 2008 to 2023, also the investigation of Manageritalia. The increase is visible especially in the tertiary sectorin particular in health and social assistance where managers women (52.3%) exceed colleagues and are 34.4% in education. In the ranking of Rosa provinces, Milan He clearly prevails with 10,987 executive women, followed by Rome (5,659) and Turin (1,469). At the top ten places only provinces of the north.
The obstacles along the path of women’s leadership
The road to equality is therefore undertaken, but still very long. What makes it accidentally? Weigh the lack of representationthe Business dynamics and a certain idea of what a woman can or cannot do well (especially if mother!).
1. Of father in son (male). The perception of a woman driving a team
The problem does not only concern access to decision -making roles, but also the way a woman is perceived when it guides a team, It makes decisions or imposes a strategic vision.
According to an investigation Deloitte 2024, only the 9% of Italian family companies He has a woman like CEO or President. In addition, the Family Business Survey of PWC 2024 show that only the 30% of family companies succeeds aphire successfully to the second generationand just the 12% He arrives at the third.
2. Women’s manager? Medium level, at the top still men
Among the sectors in which the female presence in managerial roles is significant the sector Fashion & Luxury. But, as Daniela Vitagliano, former marketing manager of Roberto Cavalli points out, is above all In the roles of Middle Managementbut in C-Lavel The male predominance remains evident. “THEn many Italian companies, especially family -run ones, the weight of tradition and corporate culture slows down the change ». The real turning point, provides, will arrive with the generational change, when the merit – and not the simple pink quota – will be the guiding criterion for leadership.
3. The issue of Work-Life Balance must be overturned
Obviously we cannot speak of female mananariality without talking about gender equality in the family. It is no coincidence that the LinkedIn Opportunities Index 2024 reveals that the 42% of women in managerial roles consider The Work-Life Balance the main obstacle career. On this front, the situation in our country is not good. According to theOecd Better Life IndexItalian women dedicate on average 3.6 hours a day more of men at domestic work and the care of the family.
«Being impeccable in work and private life. Many women in leadership roles still feel a double pressure, “admits Erica Bucciano, Former Marketing Manager Unilever Italia.
But, as Vitagliano explainsthings should go on the contrary. “It is not the employee who must adapt rigidly to work, but the company that must enhance the talent by offering greater flexibility». Smart working, more elastic times, evaluation based on results and not on physical presence are then the real keys for an inclusive environment.
Manager women, positive sides
There are, however, many good news. That is, the increasing importance attributed to the skills that women managers have in abundance. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2024 of World Economic Forum, A successful manager is those who combine emotional intelligence, effective communication, strategic vision and change management skills.
Inclusive companies are better
In particular, a study of McKinsey & Company detects the value of diversified leadership: Companies with a more inclusive management record higher financial performances of 25%.
“The model of the authoritarian manager is overcome: Today we need a leadership that enhances people and understands the needs. The real leadership does not impose: inspires»Says Vitagliano.
Become the guide you would like to have
Other competence on which women managers can work, «The awareness of one’s characteristics and the desire to develop them to become the guide you would like to have». Explains it Giulia Arena, Emea Integrated Media Manager of Gucci: «You can be leader at every level and in every role».
The value of networking for women managers
However, there is a resource that women have and also greater extent than the men’s colleagues. The ability to network.
Because of this Aryel created The Circlecommunity launched with the goal of promoting and exploiting this skill, creating a Network of professionals in the sectors of marketing, media and adtech. Explains it Amira di Costanzo, Marketing & Growth Director: «The Comparison and mutual support are the keys to break down the barriers still present in our sector. It is not just about giving voice to today’s professionals, but of creating the conditions for those of tomorrow ».
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