A concrete commitment to equity, inclusion and the empowerment of people
Luiss confirms its commitment to gender equality and inclusion with the renewal of its UNI/PdR 125:2022 certification, issued by DNV (Det Norske Veritas). A recognition that is testimony to the results achieved by the University in terms of valuing people, inclusion and equal opportunities.
First private university in Italy to obtain this certification
The corporate certification, covering Luiss University, Luiss Business School and LEME, attests to the effectiveness of the Diversity & Inclusion policies implemented in six strategic areas:
- culture and strategy;
- governance;
- HR processes;
- equal pay;
- inclusion of women in career paths;
- improving work-life balance and support for parenthood.
The 2024 results: improved numbers and tangible actions
The achievement of certification is certainly due to the efforts of the last three years – as evidenced in the relevant Gender Reports – and the 2024 results, which record:
- +3% female presence on governance bodies and in management positions at the University, now at 33%;
- +4.8% of degree programmes with a balanced gender composition, up to 42.9%;
- female associate professors now account for 41.2% of that category, doubling from 2020/2021;
- a 7% increase (over the previous five-year period) in the number of mixed gender commissions overseeing faculty appointments.
These are complemented by significant initiatives such as the appointment of a Confidential Counsellor, the continuation of internal initiatives aimed at improving work-life balance (such as the Summer Educamp) and the publication of the Guidelines for Inclusive Language.
Gender Equality Plan 2025-2028: actions and vision for the future
Luiss has also recently approved the Gender Equality Plan 2025–2028, developed by the “Gender” pillar of the Integrated Sustainability Plan 2025-2028, which sets out a series of actions for the next four years, including:
- career development based on performance and soft skills;
- mentoring and training for female leadership;
- initiatives against gender-based violence, including self-defence sessions;
- courses integrating STEM disciplines with social sciences to attract female students;
- services and spaces dedicated to parenting and work-life balance.
Gender equality as a lever for sustainable development
In line with an integrated approach to environmental, social and governance sustainability, gender equality is now part of a long-term strategic model. Not an isolated action therefore, but a structural lever for growth and innovation.