Italy reports over 1 million NEET women and unveils asset‑building program for low‑income families

More than 1 million women aged 15‑34 in Italy are classified as NEET (not in education, employment or training), accounting for 59 % of the country’s total NEET population. The latest Rapporto Dedalo shows the highest concentration among mothers, with a 49.4 % rate for mothers in couples and 78.2 % for women aged 20‑24. Overall, 15.6 % of young Italians (about 1.87 million) are NEET, with a gender gap of 19.1 % women versus 12.3 % men.

In response, the “Scelte Future” initiative was announced to provide asset‑building support to families with limited income. Backed by €10 million from Compagnia di San Paolo and Intesa Sanpaolo and implemented by Fondazione Ufficio Pio, the programme combines higher‑education access, incentivised savings and financial education. Starting in Piemonte in late 2026, it will target 2 000 children aged 0‑6 from families with an ISEE up to €15 000, aiming to break the cycle of educational inequality.