Empowering Women Through Italy's Recovery and Resilience Plan: Innovative Practices in Complex Organizations

In an era where gender equality remains elusive despite significant strides, women’s empowerment is more relevant than ever. This ongoing struggle for equal rights and opportunities spans sectors such as education, employment, and politics. It involves dismantling gender stereotypes, achieving work-life balance, and fostering entrepreneurship among women. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that integrates insights from sociology, economics, psychology, and business studies. Empowering Women through Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Plan provides a comprehensive examination of women’s empowerment within the framework of Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). Part One establishes the general framework, exploring the Next Generation EU initiative and Italy’s PNRR, focusing on social cohesion, inclusion, and gender equality. This section delves into the concept of empowerment, breaking it down into components such as leadership, identity, and mentoring, and addresses the impact of gender stereotypes, the significance of work-life balance, and the challenges and opportunities in women’s entrepreneurship. Part Two analyses good practices, starting with the methodology and metrics for evaluating gender equality initiatives. It presents case studies of diversity management strategies in both the private and public sectors, discusses the role of Single Guarantee Committees in promoting gender equality in public organizations, and examines the certification process for gender equality by the Italian Department of Equal Opportunities. Providing multidisciplinary analysis and practical solutions, this edited collection equips readers with the knowledge and tools to address the complex challenges women face across sectors. It is essential for policymakers, academics, industry leaders, and activists committed to advancing gender equality.