Women in science: what about Italy?

While discussing the main issues on the topic women in sience, the paper presents data and figures on Human resources for R&D and particularly on the main trends in supply of S&E students and graduates in Italy. Facts and figures on the role of women in the academic sector are as well presented, either by grade and sectors, to show how while increasing in number, especially concerning girls enrolling in science, the presence of women in higher academic levels is still very poor and positive actions should be taken to improve the situation.