This year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation once again joins the international mobilization campaign on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. As stated by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Antonio Tajani, “Italy must be at the forefront in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, particularly in preventing and combating all forms of discrimination and violence against women.”
This year, the theme will be addressed at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Fiuggi-Anagni. On November 25, during the ministerial meeting, a “red bench” – symbolizing the women victims of violence and their lost lives – will be inaugurated with the placement of a commemorative plaque by the attending Foreign Ministers at the Fiuggi Municipal Theatre, whose facade will be illuminated in orange for the occasion. The initiative underscores Italy’s commitment, as the G7 Presidency, to the prevention and combating of violence against women and girls, particularly in numerous conflict situations where sexual violence is also used as a weapon of war.
At the directive of Minister Tajani, the Farnesina (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and its global network are also participating in this year’s “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!” campaign, promoted by UN Women, which kicks off 16 days of initiatives alongside civil society. For the occasion, the Farnesina building will be illuminated in orange on November 25.
The elimination of violence against women and support for women’s empowerment remain pillars of Italy’s foreign policy and development cooperation actions. This is reflected in numerous international campaigns, such as those to eradicate female genital mutilation and child and forced marriages, in which Italy has always been a leading advocate. Italy’s commitment within the UN Commission on the Status of Women further highlights this dedication.
Under the framework of the UN Agenda on “Women, Peace, and Security,” Italy, through a dedicated National Action Plan, is at the forefront among UN member states. It promotes initiatives aimed at ensuring the full participation of women in all activities related to conflict prevention and resolution, such as the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network launched by Italy in 2017.
The recent guidelines of Italian Cooperation on gender equality and the empowerment of women, girls, and children aim to further intensify efforts through specific initiatives, ranging from female, maternal, and infant health, as well as sexual and reproductive health, to supporting education programs for girls and women.
At Minister Tajani’s request, the Farnesina has dedicated its “Invest Your Talent in Italy” scholarship program for international young talents to the memory of Giulia Cecchettin, who fell victim to femicide just before graduating in engineering. The program combines advanced training in engineering, economics, or architecture at Italian universities with internship opportunities at Italian companies.
