Italy implements 141.5 million euro incentive to boost female employment

Italy is implementing new measures to address the gender employment gap, where female participation stands at approximately 53% compared to 70% for men. For 2026, the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies has refinanced the ‘Bonus Donne’ with 141.5 million euros, co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus. This incentive targets private employers who hire disadvantaged women on permanent contracts, offering a 100% exemption from social security contributions. Employers can receive a monthly reduction of up to 650 euros, increasing to 800 euros for hires in the Southern Italy Special Economic Zone (ZES).

In the healthcare sector, laboratory medicine in Lombardy has emerged as a model for gender parity, with women occupying 52% of senior roles. Sabrina Buoro, president of Sibioc, received the ‘Alessandra Pederzoli’ Lead Award for her work in reorganizing diagnostic services through multidisciplinary governance and mentoring. This stands in contrast to the national healthcare average, where women hold only 36% of senior positions despite making up 70% of the workforce.

Other regional developments include a legal ruling by the TAR Lombardia-Brescia, which supports the right of non-medical health professionals, such as nurses, to hold complex structural management roles. Additionally, real estate reports indicate a growing housing demand in Italy, with an estimated need for 840,000 homes to support the workforce.