Professor Paola Profeta delivers guest lecture on inclusion and equality

Professor Paola Profeta, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Inclusion and Sustainability at Bocconi University, visited Warwick at the invitation of the Quantitative and Analytical Political Economy Research Centre (QAPEC) and the Wellbeing, Equality, Diversity, and Gender Group (WEDGG).

In addition to her position as Pro-Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Inclusion and Sustainability and her work as a Full Professor of Public Economics at Bocconi University, Professor Profeta is Founder and Director of the Axa Research Lab on Gender Equality and sits on a range of boards and committees in support of her advocacy for female leadership, and for inclusion and gender equality in education, work, and politics.

During her visit to the Department, Professor Profeta delivered a guest lecture for students and staff, on the theme of “Advancing Equality and Inclusion in a Diverse World.” She began by reminding all present that diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice, and one which is not only morally right but also sound business, as a diverse and inclusive workforce is one which can be drawn from a wider talent pool and which brings new perspectives and a richer agenda to any institution.

Drawing on data from her own research and other sources, Professor Profeta showed that:

• At present rates of progress it will take 134 years to close the global gender gap. This is a waste of human capital and also inefficient in economic development terms.
• In all EU countries, a larger proportion of young (25 – 34) women than young men are graduates – though this is discipline-specific and women are still the minority in STEM subjects
• In all EU countries, the female employment rate is lower than the male employment rate
• Barriers to female participation in the labour market include caring responsibilities, discrimination, and harmful stereotypes, for example that men are breadwinners and women are home-makers.

Sharing examples from Bocconi University, Professor Profeta discussed what institutions can do to address these challenges, starting with measuring gender and inclusion gaps; setting strategic targets; and taking actions such as creating scholarships and mentoring schemes.

Warning that “none of this can work if we put it in an empty box” Professor Profeta also argued that institutions must work for an overall culture change so that inclusivity is the norm.

Reflecting on her visit, Professor Profeta said “I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Warwick, where I had the opportunity to engage in research discussions with leading scholars in the field and to exchange knowledge and best practices on diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia.”

• Listen to an interview with Professor Profeta.
• Read Professor Profeta’s articles at The Conversation