BIANNUAL REPORT EUROPEAN WOMEN IN MATHEMATICS 2022 – 2024
ITALY

As Country Coordinators for European Women in Mathematics in Italy, we aim at presenting our biannual report covering our recent initiatives and activities. Our focus continues to be on fostering a supportive network for women in mathematics, promoting their achievements, and addressing gender disparities in the field. The past two years have been rich in activities detailed below.

Events

● Round Table: “Why Talk About Women in Mathematics?” Date: October 17, 2022

Location: University of Trento, Italy

This event facilitated a rich dialogue about the challenges and opportunities for women in mathematics. Speakers from various academic levels and institutions shared their experiences and insights, fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment.

● 8 Marzo @Unisa Date: March 8, 2023

Location: University of Salerno, Italy

Our annual event on International Women’s Day was themed “From Non-Discrimination to Equal Opportunities”. It included presentations on successful practices at UNISA and beyond in promoting gender equality in academia and research. This event drew considerable participation from the university community and was instrumental in promoting dialogue around gender equality. More information can be found here.

● Women in Mathematics Day

Date: May 12, 2023
Location: University of Turin, Italy

In this event, young female PhD students introduced their research work in the fields of Pure and Applied Mathematics, Physics and Computer Sciences and there was a discussion on the gender gap in STEM by Norma De Piccoli – CIRSDe UniTo, Giulia Ferrari – UniTo, Francesca Tampone – UniMIB & FRidA – UniTo, Greta Temporin – PoliTo.

● Workshop “Women in Commutative Algebra II” Date: October 16-20, 2023

Location: CIRM, Trento, Italy

The second edition of this workshop focused on cutting-edge research in commutative algebra by women mathematicians. It included children-friendly events and on-site childcare, supporting attendees balancing professional and family responsibilities. More details are available at the official workshop site.

● Women in Mathematics Day Date: May 9, 2024

Location: University of Turin, Italy

The event was structured with two types of talks: some doctoral students from the Departments of Mathematics UniTO site and PoliTO site will present their research activities, and then some experts in the field will lead speeches focused on the topic of the gender gap. Speakers will be Veronica Felli (EWM), Manuela Naldini and Cristina Solera (project coordinators “MINDtheGeps” and “GEA-Gendering Academia” – UniTO), Cecilia Pennacini (Department of Culture, Politics, and Society – UniTO), Marina Della Giusta (Department of Economics and Statistics – UniTO), Chiara Rollero (Department of Psychology – UniTO).

● Equity, diversity and inclusion Date: June 18, 2024

Location: University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy

The theme of this event was “privilege”, to be understood in a neutral sense as greater access to certain resources given by social disparity. Each of us is in a privileged position compared to other people, or, in other words, each person belongs to some majorities of which others are not part. In particular, enjoying a privilege means having a megaphone with which to make your voice heard. The event included short talks and a roundtable discussion.

● Distinguished Women in Math Workshop Date: July 3, 2024

Location: University of Naples, Italy

This workshop aimed to highlight significant contributions by women in the fields of Poisson Geometry and Mathematical Physics. It featured talks by both emerging and established female mathematicians and provided a platform for networking and mentorship among students and professionals.

Promotion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Our ongoing initiative emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contributions of women and girls in science not just annually, but continually. This message has been prominently featured in our communications and events, reinforcing our commitment to gender equality in STEM.

Anti-Harassment Campaign

Together with other Italian colleagues, we are currently preparing a poster to be distributed in all Italian universities. This poster aims to educate about what constitutes harassment and provide guidance on how individuals can respond to and report such incidents. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe and supportive academic environment for all.

Social networking

● Website Launch
In our effort to better network women in mathematics across Italy, we have launched a new website:

Women in Mathematics Italy (https://sites.google.com/unisa.it/women-in-mathematics-en/home)

This platform serves as a central hub for resources, upcoming events, and a community forum for discussions and support.

● Instagram page
We have created an Instagram page to promote our initiatives more widely: @womeninmathematicsit.