Gender Equality in the Italian Space sector: a study case of the WIA Rome Local Group

Paper number

IAC-18,E5,5,3,x47043

Author

Ms. Alice Pellegrino, Italy, University of Rome “La Sapienza”

Coauthor

Dr. Maria Libera Battagliere, Italy, ASI - Italian Space Agency

Coauthor

Ms. Fabiana Milza, Italy, Sapienza University of Rome

Coauthor

Dr. Cristina Valente, Italy, Telespazio S.p.A.

Coauthor

Dr. Anastasia Giordana Bottai, Italy

Coauthor

Ms. Federica Angeletti, Italy, Sapienza University of Rome

Coauthor

Dr. Laura Bettiol, Italy, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)

Coauthor

Dr. Maria Fabrizia Buongiorno, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Maria Messina, Italy, Italian Space Agency (ASI)

Coauthor

Dr. Luisa Riccardi, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Annamaria Nassisi, Italy, Thales Alenia Space Italia

Coauthor

Mrs. Aloisia Russo, Italy, Politecnico di Milano

Year

2018

Abstract

Last decade the gender equality and empowerment of female professionalism have been indicated as
a driver for economic growth by the European Union (EU) but also by a resolution adopted
by the UN General Assembly on 25 September 2015. In Europe, even though progress towards gender
equality have been made, data based on the Gender Equality Index show that the process is rather slow.
Each Member State faces obstacles in achieving gender equality and significant improvements are still
needed to attain gender equal societies. The participation of women in employment remains much lower
than the one of men and labour markets across EU Member States show persistent and significant gender segregation. Governments should support more and encourage the presence of women in
STEM (Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields, generating new inputs from a diverse
workforce. Space sector is a source of inspiration and opportunities for all generations but it is affected
by gender discrimination in the work place in terms of equal pay and career progression. In large firms
a campaign to have women in the board has been started, although at a very low rate. In the small firms there is still a low presence of women in high level positions. The situation in the research institutions does not differ consistently from the industrial world: there are only few women in key positions in
technological and space research departments, therefore it would be important to find a
global approach to sustain the competence and career of women in the space sector. In the time period
2005-2015, among the EU Member States the largest improvement in gender equality occurred in Italy,
raising the country from the 26th position to the 14th. However, women still face different kind of barriers
which stand in the way of their right to education, jobs, political representation, economic empowerment,
etc.. WIA (Women in Aerospace) Europe supports the idea of an inclusive workforce as an invaluable
asset to the growth of the European space sector. In particular, the WIA Rome Local Group reflects
women's actual participation in the Italian space industries, universities and institutions. This paper is
focused on the first results of a gender analysis within the space sector in Italy, conducted by the Local
Group, whose aim is to assess the current status and suggest some possible actions that could be made
to promote and support a future mindset change.

Abstract document

IAC-18,E5,5,3,x47043.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-18,E5,5,3,x47043.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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