Once again this year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is participating in the international mobilization campaign marking the 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 female empowerment, particularly to prevent and combat all forms of discrimination and violence against women.”
This year, the theme will be addressed at the G7 Foreign Ministerial Meeting in Fiuggi-Anagni. On November 25, during the ministerial meeting, a “red bench” will be inaugurated—in memory of women victims of violence and their lost lives—with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by the Foreign Ministers present at Fiuggi’s Municipal Theater, whose façade will be illuminated in orange for the occasion.
The initiative confirms Italy’s commitment, as the G7 Presidency, to the issue of preventing and combating violence against women and girls, particularly in numerous conflict situations, where sexual violence is also used as a weapon of war.
Additionally, under Minister Tajani’s direction, the Farnesina and its international network are once again joining the campaign “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!” promoted by UN Women, which launches 16 days of initiatives alongside civil society. For the occasion, the Farnesina will be lit in orange on November 25.
The elimination of violence against women and support for female empowerment remain pillars of Italy’s foreign policy and development cooperation efforts. Numerous international campaigns, such as those for the eradication of female genital mutilation and early and forced marriages, which Italy has always spearheaded, bear witness to this commitment, as does its involvement with the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
Within the framework of the UN Agenda “Women, Peace, and Security,” Italy, through a dedicated National Action Plan, is leading among UN member states, promoting initiatives aimed at ensuring the full participation of women in all activities for conflict prevention and resolution, such as the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network launched by Italy in 2017.
The recent Italian Cooperation Guidelines on gender equality and the empowerment of women, girls, and children aim to further strengthen this commitment through specific initiatives, ranging from women’s health, maternal-child health, sexual and reproductive health, to support for programs favoring education for girls and women.
At the request of Minister Tajani, the Farnesina has dedicated its scholarship program for international young talents, “Invest Your Talent in Italy,” to the memory of Giulia Cecchettin, who fell victim to femicide on the eve of her engineering graduation. This program combines advanced specialization pathways in engineering, economics, or architecture at Italian universities with training periods in companies across the country.
