This year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is once again participating in 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 take the lead in promoting gender equality and female empowerment, particularly in preventing and combating all forms of discrimination and violence against women.”
This year, the topic will be addressed at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Fiuggi-Anagni. On November 25, during the ministerial meeting, a “red bench” – in memory of women victims of violence and their lost lives – will be inaugurated, with a commemorative plaque placed by the attending Foreign Ministers at the Municipal Theater of Fiuggi, whose façade will be illuminated in orange for the occasion.
The initiative underscores Italy’s dedication, as the G7 Presidency, to the prevention and fight against violence towards women and girls, especially in numerous conflict situations where sexual violence is also used as a weapon of war.
Additionally, under Minister Tajani’s guidance, the Farnesina and its foreign network are participating once again in the “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!” campaign, promoted by UN Women. This campaign kicks off 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 Italian foreign policy and development cooperation. This is evident in the numerous international campaigns, such as those for the eradication of female genital mutilation and early and forced marriages, in which Italy has always been at the forefront, as well as its commitment within the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
Within the framework of the UN “Women, Peace, and Security” Agenda, Italy, through a dedicated National Action Plan, stands out among UN member states by promoting initiatives aimed at fostering 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 Italian Cooperation guidelines on gender equality and the empowerment of women, girls, and children aim to further intensify Italy’s 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 the “Invest Your Talent in Italy” scholarship program, aimed at young international talents, to the memory of Giulia Cecchettin, whose life was tragically taken on the eve of receiving her engineering degree. This program combines advanced specialization paths in engineering, economics, or architecture at Italian universities with training periods with Italian companies.
