The Bolzano Chamber of Commerce supports the Equal Pay Day – BGS News – Buongiorno Südtirol

The Bolzano Chamber of Commerce supports Equal Pay Day

The Committee for the promotion of female entrepreneurship of the Bolzano Chamber of Commerce joins the European Day for Equal Pay “Equal Pay Day”. The aim is to raise public awareness of the pay gap between men and women and encourage women to overcome it.
In Italy, but also in South Tyrol, a gender wage gap exists. This is also due to the different professional choices of men and women. The latter, in fact, are more often employed in sectors where lower wages are paid, for example in the social and care sectors. Furthermore, women more often work part-time or interrupt work for maternity or the demands of responsibilities involving care and caring.
The European initiative Equal Pay Day is being organized in South Tyrol this year on 19 April to draw attention to this issue. The Chamber of Commerce also joins the initiative with its own projects.
In 2011 the Bolzano Chamber of Commerce decided to set up an internal committee for the promotion of female entrepreneurship. “In the interest of the local economy, the Committee pursues the objectives of promoting female entrepreneurship, encouraging the creation of businesses by women, encouraging the qualification of entrepreneurs and women in managerial positions as well as strengthening the position of women in companies” , said Committee President Annemarie Kaser.
The Bolzano Chamber of Commerce has launched the “Woman in the Economy” project, which offers training and mentoring opportunities for young entrepreneurs. The project gives visibility to model entrepreneurs and supports women’s associations in representing category interests. Furthermore, interviews with women who work in the economy, i.e. entrepreneurs and professionals who hold top positions, are periodically published in order to increase their visibility and inspire other women to take the path of entrepreneurship.
The family-work audit of the Bolzano Chamber of Commerce supports South Tyrolean employers through consultancy and professional assistance, accompanying them in the implementation of company and personnel policies in favor of reconciling work and family, thus providing a tangible model of good practices. The objective of the family and work audit is to raise awareness among new businesses and organizations in South Tyrol about the reconciliation of family, private life and work.
To encourage an increase in the number of women in managerial positions, the Provincial Commission for Equal Opportunities for Women and the Women’s Service, in collaboration with the WIFI of the Bolzano Chamber of Commerce, have proposed training courses for aspiring board members administration. Furthermore, WIFI constantly organizes specific training courses for women and the “Women in the Economy Meeting” event, during which the female public has the opportunity to participate in discussions and receive practical advice on relevant topics, as well as to share ideas and establish new contacts with other professionals.
The IRE – Economic Research Institute of the Bolzano Chamber of Commerce is part of the “MINT Group”, coordinated by the Educational and Professional Orientation Office, which in turn reports to the German Culture Department. The objective of the group is to raise awareness among citizens, especially women, regarding the MINT disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

Photo, Annemarie Kaser/c-Bolzano Chamber of Commerce