Claudia Ferrigno: How can gender equality be a driver of growth, innovation and attractiveness?
Claudia Ferrigno from Italy brings this important perspective to Equal Pay Day 2026 as an Empower Day mentor on Friday, 27 March. As Project Manager of the Task Force for EU Project Planning and a member of the gender equality working group at ART‑ER S. cons. p. a., she works at the intersection of European policy, innovation and gender equality.
Claudia focuses on how systemic gender equality can transform compliance into performance. Her work highlights that fair pay, transparent processes and equal opportunities are not only ethical commitments, but also key factors for sustainable growth, innovation and organizational attractiveness.
During her mentoring session, “Systemic Gender Equality: Transforming Compliance into Performance,” participants will explore how different public and private organizations can move together in building workplaces and communities where equity strengthens both: people’s wellbeing and growth together with more attractiveness.
Participants are warmly invited to register for Claudia Ferrigno’s mentoring table through the Happenee app and join the conversation on shaping more transparent and inclusive workplaces and regional communities across Europe.
- Italy’s gender pay gap is one of the lowest in the EU: 2.2%.
- For comparison: EU average gender pay gap: 12–13%.
“Women in business leadership: about 28-32% of managerial positions are held by women in Italy. Women represent roughly 36% of entrepreneurs, but a smaller share lead large companies.
Internet usage: around 90-92% of the population in Italy uses the internet. Among younger and working-age groups the rate is over 95%.”
Teresa Serra: How can communication help close the gender gap in STEM?
Teresa Serra, Communication Manager at MUNER – Motor Valley University of Emilia‑Romagna, joins Equal Pay Day 2026 as an Empower Day mentor on Friday, 27 March. Working in one of Europe’s most renowned hubs of engineering and automotive innovation, she focuses on how strategic communication can promote diversity, inspire young talent, and support women pursuing careers in STEM fields.
In her mentoring session, “Communicating Gender Equality in STEM: Visibility, Narratives, and Alliances for Change,” Teresa will explore how storytelling, visibility and collaboration can reshape perceptions and open new opportunities for women in science, technology and engineering. She believes that the way we communicate success stories and role models plays a crucial role in building a more inclusive future.
Participants are warmly invited to register for mentoring tables through the Happenee app and join a discussion on how powerful narratives and strong alliances can accelerate gender equality in STEM.
