Overview
The AXA Research Lab on Gender Equality (Gender Lab) at Bocconi University in Milan was established with the support of the AXA Research Fund and AXA Italy. It promotes high-quality theoretical and empirical research in social sciences to advance understanding and policy on gender equality in economic and social contexts.
Mission and focus areas
Gender Lab aims to foster gender equality through rigorous research that informs evidence-based policymaking. Its work spans areas including family, labour and fertility, culture, politics, women’s empowerment and public policy. The lab contributes to sustainable finance and ESG integration by highlighting how gender equality shapes economic outcomes, decision-making, and social welfare.
Structure and governance
Operating within Bocconi University, Gender Lab brings together a diverse team of directors, postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and fellows. It collaborates with academic departments such as the Department of Social and Political Sciences and the DONDENA Research Centre. The lab’s governance includes a steering committee that supports strategic direction and interdisciplinary engagement across research domains.
Programs and offerings
Gender Lab delivers seminars, conferences and policy dialogues to disseminate research findings and engage with policymakers, academics, and practitioners. It produces reports, academic publications, and interviews that translate research into actionable insights. Educational programs and collaborations with international researchers enhance knowledge-sharing and skill development in gender economics and diversity management. Through these initiatives, the lab strengthens evidence-based approaches to promoting gender equality in academia, policymaking, and industry.
