The Italian Parliament has rejected a proposal to establish equal parental leave for mothers and fathers, a decision criticized by the opposition who see it as a missed opportunity to modernize family policies.
This rejection comes in a country where the gender gap in the labor market remains among the highest in the European Union. Critics of the proposal believe that a more balanced parental leave policy could have fostered a better distribution of family responsibilities and encouraged women's employment.
At the same time, a parallel cultural shift seems to be emerging. On social media, figures like Diego Di Franco embody a new image of fatherhood. Through their content, these "influencer dads" promote a more active involvement in raising children and household chores.
These digital initiatives are helping to shift attitudes by promoting a more present and involved father figure. Some observers see this as a sign of a gradual change in Italian society, despite political obstacles.
For many equality advocates, however, the gap between these new social practices and public policies remains significant. They call for future reforms to better support these transformations and reduce persistent inequalities.
Between conservative political decisions and social changes brought about by a new generation, Italy thus appears at a crossroads on the question of the sharing of family roles.
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