This year as well, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation 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 during the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Fiuggi-Anagni. On November 25, during the ministerial meeting, a “red bench” – commemorating women who have fallen victim to violence and their lost lives – will be inaugurated. A commemorative plaque will be placed by the attending Foreign Ministers at the Fiuggi Municipal Theatre, whose façade will be illuminated in orange for the occasion. This initiative underscores the attention Italy, as the G7 Presidency, has chosen to dedicate to the prevention and fight against violence towards women and girls, particularly in numerous conflict situations where sexual violence is also used as a weapon of war.
At Minister Tajani’s instruction, the Farnesina and its overseas network are once again participating in the “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!” campaign, promoted by UN Women, which launches 16 days of initiatives in collaboration with civil society. For the occasion, the Farnesina building will be illuminated in orange on November 25.
The elimination of violence against women and the promotion of women’s empowerment remain pillars of Italy’s foreign policy and development cooperation efforts. This is evidenced by numerous international campaigns, such as those for the eradication of female genital mutilation and child, early, and forced marriage, where Italy has always played a leading role, as well as our commitment within the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
Within the framework of the UN Agenda on “Women, Peace, and Security,” Italy, through a dedicated National Action Plan, is at the forefront among United Nations member states, promoting initiatives aimed at fostering the full participation of women in all conflict prevention and resolution activities. One such initiative is 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 strengthen our commitment through specific initiatives ranging from women’s health, maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health, to supporting programs for the education of 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, a victim of femicide on the eve of earning her degree in engineering. This program combines advanced specialization paths in engineering, economics, or architecture at Italian universities with training opportunities in Italian companies.
