One of these prodigies was Laura Bassi, who became a chair of physics at the University of Bologna, a member of the prestigious Academy of Science at Bologna, and the mother of twelve children. Women are also prevented from foreclosing their own options by the required yearly math and science courses in high school. They simply do not have the option of dropping out of math and science before fully considering a career in it. The inevitable result is that some who had originally intended to teach high school decide to pursue research or professorships. Italy provides free day care to working women.
People climb the academic ladder at their own pace.
This allows a young physicist to remain in lower ranks for several years while starting a family and move up later without any stiff penalties affecting career prospects. The Italian tradition of strong extended families allows working mothers to have relatives help with child care during travel or long hours. However, most of these benefits are primarily available to well-educated women of the upper and middle classes. And in spite of the encouraging traditions already in place, there is evidence that Italian women are still hitting a glass ceiling. Among the elite, only two are women.