STEM Women Congress Kicks Off in Bologna with “Step by STEM” Event

Bologna, February 21, 2025 — The STEM Women Congress 2025 launched its Italian tour with a thrilling inaugural event in Bologna, titled “Step by STEM: Building a New Gender of the Future.” Hosted at the Opificio Golinelli, the sold-out gathering brought together school students, corporate leaders, and institutional representatives to spark conversations around gender equality in STEM. It was organized by Orange Media Group in collaboration with Fondazione Golinelli and Rete CapoD.

The day, under the scientific guidance of Daniela Piccinini and hosted by renowned presenter Serena Dandini, featured two impactful sessions. The first session addressed gender biases in knowledge through contributions by luminaries such as Elena Cattaneo, Amalia Ercoli Finzi, Camilla Gaiaschi, Elsa Fornero, and Maria Chiara Carrozza. The second session, centered on “Passion and Perseverance,” included inspiring narratives from Marina Brambilla, Marica Branchesi, Alaide Chieffo, Marinella Manicardi, Barbara Mazzolai, and Chiara Montanari. The morning concluded with the compelling story of Maria Di Mauro, an aerospace engineering student and 2024 “Alfiere del Lavoro.”

Students from across the Emilia-Romagna region took part in an interactive experience—contributing to a live “tag cloud” of words that represented equality and taking part in a mirror selfie activity, echoing the “Hall of Women” in Parliament. Among the most voted words by students were determination, solidarity, education, and collaboration, while speakers themselves highlighted passion, courage, imagination, and fun.

In her remarks, Antonio Danieli, Vice President and General Director of Fondazione Golinelli, emphasized Bologna’s role as a hub of scientific excellence and the importance of initiatives that connect schools, industry, and institutions—especially in addressing the persistent gender gap in STEM. Lucia Ghirardini, President of Rete CapoD, stressed the central role of schools in shifting the future, advocating for cultural change rooted in inclusion and equality. Morena Rossi, Head of Content for STEM Women Congress Italy, added that real stories and visible role models are essential to inspiring new narratives of diversity and equity.

The Bologna event marked the first of several STEM Days leading up to the grand finale in Milan on October 15, 2025, at Palazzo Castiglioni. This multi-city initiative aims to bring awareness to schools, families, companies, and institutions—all aimed at encouraging young women to pursue STEM with confidence and ambition.