Women in communication: interview with Luisa Di Vita of Nissan Italy
Coming of age is certainly an important milestone, both for a person and for a brand and, in this very particular case, for ours.
As the female turns 18, we have decided to start a Women Empowerment project that focuses on women who work in the field of communication.
Luisa Di Vita, Communications Director for Nissan Italy, answered 5 significant questions for us, explaining how important it is to recognize the differences that differentiate men and women.
1. What is "being a woman" like in the world of work?
I believe that important steps forward have been made in Italy in recent years, especially in the introduction of important positions occupied by women; this is also thanks to the Gulf-Moscow law of 2011 which imposed a gender quota on the boards of large listed companies. The presence of women has shown an increase in company performance and in many cases has produced a domino effect even outside the boards. We certainly need the growth of a "critical mass" in the top management positions of large companies, so that the benefits of gender diversity are felt. It is important, from my point of view, to focus on value and potential, taking into account that women often have many extra responsibilities outside of work.
See also
2. What was "women empowerment" for you at 18?
Not unlike today, I focused on commitment and perseverance and then I was lucky enough to have full freedom: my parents in fact have always supported me in my choices. I believe that at 18 the role of the family is fundamental for empowerment in general.
3. Three words you associate today with "women empowerment"
Opportunities: Companies must truly offer equal opportunities in the development path before a woman builds a family and even after, it is a two-way growth investment.
Protection: preventing and combating gender-based stereotypes and sexism if present in the company.
Independence: fair remuneration at all levels.
4. What would you say to the 18-year-old yourself?
I would not change anything, but in hindsight I would fight more for the protection of the environment. Today I am proud to be Communication Director of Nissan Italy, a company that launched the LEAF on the world market since 2010, the best-selling electric car in history and which, in addition to being zero emissions, is now also capable of storing energy and return it to the network with enormous benefits for the ecosystem. A pity it wasn't available when I got my driver's license!
5. How much need is there to talk about women empowerment today and what should be done?
In my opinion, men should be more aware and appreciate the qualities of women without fear, putting themselves on the line. We are different and that's okay: as a well-known book says: “men come from Mars and women from Venus”!
