Exploring the Gender Gap in Financial Knowledge in Italy

In this paper, we examine the dual dimensions of inequality within Italy’s financial literacy landscape: a vertical gap by gender, reflecting disparities in both knowledge and confidence, and a horizontal divide by geography, mirroring broader socio economic inequalities. Women tend to be less confident yet more socially motivated, less self-assured yet more aware of the value of knowledge. They also report higher levels of financial stress and greater concern about the future. Our findings highlight the need for place-based, gender-sensitive policy interventions that address behavioral, cultural, and social dimensions, particularly financial confidence, intra-household decision-making roles, and early-life exposure to financial education.