Female Entrepreneurship Grows in Sicily Amid Gender Gap
Female entrepreneurship in Sicily is experiencing significant growth despite persistent gender gaps. Recent data highlights that 95,000 women are self-employed in the region, reflecting a 3% increase in the first nine months of 2025. This dynamic female workforce illustrates the ability to drive business forward, even in the face of ongoing challenges.
Current Landscape of Female Entrepreneurship in Sicily
Sicily is home to 113,245 women-led businesses, making up 24.4% of the region’s total enterprises. Among these, there are 11,139 artisanal ventures primarily focused on personal services, food industries, and restaurants.
Key Statistics from The Movement Donne Impresa
- Generation Shift: 11.7% of these businesses are run by women under 35.
- Foreign Women Entrepreneurs: 7.1% of the enterprises are led by foreign women.
- Female Employment Rate: In 2024, female employment in Sicily reached a historic high of 37.3%.
- Provincial Breakdown:
- Ragusa: 49.4% employment rate
- Caltanissetta: 29.2% employment rate, marking the biggest gender gap at 33.3 percentage points behind men.
- Education Levels: Women in Sicily surpass men in educational attainment: 26.1% are graduates, and 58.0% are high school graduates.
- NEET Statistics: 27.4% of young women in Sicily are classified as NEET (not in education, employment, or training).
The Voice of Women Entrepreneurs
Vincenza Scala, president of the Movimento Donne Impresa di Confartigianato Sicilia, emphasizes the significance of women’s artisanal work. It not only bolsters the economy but also enriches cultural and social dimensions. She asserts that women entrepreneurs innovate and preserve traditional crafts, which are vital to the region’s identity.
Scala calls on all stakeholders to support female entrepreneurship. Enhancing skillsets, particularly in digital competencies, will further empower women in the workforce. There has been substantial progress, yet much work remains to be done.
The resilience and creativity of Sicilian women in business highlight their critical role in regional development. Encouraging their growth means fostering a more inclusive and sustainable economic future for Sicily.
