The rise of women in liberal professions in Europe. Growth trends and demographic challenges

According to the Confprofessioni Report on Liberal Professions, an analysis of Eurostat data highlights a key trend: a marked increase in female representation. Data from 2009 and 2023 show a rebalancing of male and female proportions, driven by the growth of employment in the liberal professions sector. The share of women professionals in Europe has risen significantly, even though a slight male majority remains. Specifically, the proportion of women among liberal professionals grew from 41.9% in 2009 to 47.9% in 2023, demonstrating a steady increase in female participation. This trend reflects a global shift, with more women entering sectors traditionally dominated by men. While men still form the majority, female representation continues to expand, with notable variations across regions and sectors.

In several European countries, women now constitute the majority in liberal professions, with their participation increasing markedly in regions such as Southern Italy. These territorial differences are shaped by historical, cultural, and economic factors that influence women’s access to the labour market, contributing to the gradual narrowing of gender disparities.

In Italy, the representation of women varies considerably by sector: they are predominant in healthcare and social care but remain underrepresented in technical professions and in fields such as commerce, finance, and real estate.

The rising presence of women in Europe’s liberal professions is accompanied by another significant trend: the concerning ageing of the workforce, with a decline in the proportion of professionals under the age of 50. Nonetheless, women in liberal professions tend to be younger on average than their male counterparts, owing to the sustained growth of this group over time. However, they too are not immune to the ageing process.

These developments call for careful reflection on employment policies and demographic challenges to promote greater inclusivity and sustainability in the liberal professions sector.

For further details, please refer to the IX Report on Liberal Professions in Italy – 2024 Edition, prepared by the Confprofessioni Observatory on Liberal Professions.