Using Sustainability Lens to Explore Gender Equality Disclosure: A Case Study of an Italian University

Abstract This case study explores social sustainability disclosure on gender equality by focusing on an Italian public university, namely the University of Padua. This university is committed to the disclosure of the SDG 5 of the UN Agenda 2030 (“Gender Equality”) in its three-year planning documents. The findings show that Padua University is an example of best practices for other universities in Italy and elsewhere. In fact, Padua University plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality as witnessed by its 2019 Gender Report which was one of the objectives of the 2020-2022 Integrated Performance Plan (IPP). Gender equality disclosure in Italian universities is not yet institutionalized despite the Guidelines on gender reporting issued in 2019 by the Conference of Italian University Rectors. This case study may be useful for academics, policy makers and university governors because it provides a model of high level of coordination between planning and reporting gender items.