Economy and Society | In Liguria, in the province of Savona, female-led businesses ended 2025 with a slight increase, bucking the regional and national trend. Meanwhile, in the labour market, companies continue to plan new hires, especially in the services sector, with a still limited proportion of permanent contracts and recruitment difficulties affecting nearly one in two profiles. This is the picture outlined by the Riviere di Liguria Chamber of Commerce in the report released on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
The most immediate data concerns female entrepreneurship. As of 31 December 2025, in the province of Savona, the registered female-led businesses total 6,990, accounting for 24.7% of the total. Over the course of a year, they increased by 10 units, a growth of 0.1%. This is a modest change, but the comparison with other territorial levels shows a different trend: during the same period, Liguria recorded a decline of 0.1%, and the national figure fell by 0.3%. The proportion of businesses led by women in the province is also higher than both the Ligurian average, which stands at 22.1%, and the Italian average, at 22.3%.
The incidence of female entrepreneurship is not uniform across sectors. The highest rate is observed in other service activities, where nearly one in two businesses, 49.6%, are female-led. This is followed by accommodation and food service activities and administrative and support service activities, both at 32.8%. The distribution confirms a particularly strong presence in sectors related to personal services, hospitality, and operational support activities, areas that have long represented a significant part of the Savona production fabric.
In commenting on the data, the Vice President of the Riviere di Liguria Chamber of Commerce, Alessandro Berta, emphasises that the increase in female businesses and women’s employment represents a sign of greater participation in the workforce. However, he adds that the region must strengthen “social, transport and housing policies” capable of further supporting female employability, especially in a province characterised by a progressively ageing population. This is the political and institutional assessment accompanying the report; the initial data, on the other hand, indicate a slight but positive growth in female entrepreneurship in Savona and a labour market that continues to offer opportunities mainly concentrated in services, with a high incidence of fixed-term contracts and persistent recruitment difficulties.
Alongside the figures on businesses, the chamber of commerce report includes the Excelsior survey on planned company hires. In February 2026, the expected new hires in the province of Savona are 1,940; for the entire February to April quarter, this rises to 7,080. The figure for Liguria in February is 9,900 planned entries, while at the national level companies report 424,000 workers sought.
Specifically, the job market in Savona continues to rely predominantly on non-permanent contracts. Only 18% of the expected hires in February are for permanent or apprenticeship contracts, while 82% consist of fixed-term contracts or other forms of agreements with a predetermined duration. Recruitment is concentrated 63% in the services sector and 75% in companies with fewer than 50 employees, two factors that reflect a production system strongly based on small businesses and the tertiary sector.
The proportion of entries allocated to highly qualified figures remains limited. Managers, specialists, and technicians account for 11% of the expected entries, a percentage lower than the national average, which stands at 18%. Companies also report difficulties in recruitment in 45% of cases, indicating ongoing challenges in matching labour supply and demand. A quarter of the planned hires will concern young people under 30, while 31% will be aimed at immigrant personnel. Graduates make up 7% of overall entries. For 68% of the planned positions, specific experience or experience gained in the same sector is required.
The sectoral distribution confirms the central role of activities related to tourism and services. In February, the highest number of expected job entries concerns accommodation, catering and tourism services, with 570 positions. This is followed by commerce with 210, construction with 170, personal services with 160, and operational support services for businesses and individuals with 120. This paints a picture of a provincial economy where the seasonal component and demand for services continue to decisively influence employment needs.
(effe / Red. Corsara)