International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Hitachi Energy's commitment in Italy

Feb. 11, 2024, marks the 9th annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This United Nation-mandated day sheds light on the gender gap in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) disciplines. Over the years, important progress has been made towards closing the gender gap, but women in these fields are still underrepresented. UN research shows that only 1 in 3 researchers and 22 percent of engineering graduates are women.  

One of the significant factors contributing to this disparity lies in the persistent biases hindering girls and women from envisioning their own educational or professional paths in traditionally male-dominated fields.

At Hitachi Energy, we believe that collaboration and diversity of thought equal great innovation. As part of our Diversity 360 strategic plan, we are committed to female acceleration in the workplace and to gender equality and partner up to reach these goals in pursuit of advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We are also contributing to ‘quality education’ (SDG 4) by nurturing a life-long learning culture and creating inclusive learning opportunities for all.  

To help accelerate female diversity in STEM, Hitachi Energy is actively participating in two significant initiatives that seeks to provide ample support to girls and women in their educational pursuits:

"Primavera delle pari opportunità (Springtime of Equal Opportunity)" - The initiative, promoted and supported by STEAMiamoci together with the Metropolitan City of Milan, is aimed at elementary and junior high schools in the area. The initiative features women who, due to their professionalism and profession, can bring testimonies capable of inspiring girls and boys. Also participating in the initiative will be a dozen female colleagues from Hitachi Energy, who will share their journey and experience with younger children.

"Girls@Polimi - Scholarships for future female engineers" - The project is promoted by the Politecnico di Milano in collaboration with companies and foundations to sponsor and accompany girls who wish to enroll in the university's courses characterized by a low presence of women: Automation, Electrical, Electronic, Computer, Mechanical and Industrial Production Engineering. Hitachi Energy has confirmed its participation again for this year, funding a scholarship worth €24,000.

The net zero challenge is bigger than one company, one team and one individual. Meeting these new challenges requires technologies, new ways of working, and thinking.  

"For Hitachi Energy, increasing the presence of women means increasing the diversity of talent, which is why the company has set the important goal of reaching 25 percent of women in our workforce by 2025 as part of our Diversity 360 strategy," said Flavio Villa, Country Managing Director of Hitachi Energy Italy. "In Italy, we are currently around 22 percent, and we have several programs in place to support the development of female talent, both inside and outside the company."