Farnesina and Embassies join the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Also this year the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is adhering to the international mobilization campaign on the occasion of the day for the elimination of violence against women. As indicated by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Antonio Tajani, “Italy must be at the forefront to promote gender equality and women's emancipation, in particular to prevent and combat all forms of discrimination and violence against women”.

This year the theme will be brought to the G7 Foreign Ministerial Meeting in Fiuggi-Anagni. Today, November 25, during the ministerial meeting, a “red bench” – in memory of women victims of violence and their lives lost – with the placing of a commemorative plaque by the Foreign Ministers present at the Fiuggi Municipal Theatre, whose facade for the occasion will be lit up in orange.

The initiative confirms the attention that Italy, as G7 Presidency, wanted to dedicate to the theme of prevention and fight against violence against women and girls, especially in the numerous conflict situations, where the sexual violence is also used as a weapon of war.

Upon indication of Minister Tajani, furthermore, the Farnesina and its foreign network are also adhering this year to the campaign “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!“, promoted by UN Women, which kicks off 16 days of initiatives alongside civil society. For the occasion, the Farnesina will be colored orange on November 25th.

The elimination of violence against women and support for women's emancipation are confirmed among the pillars of Italian foreign policy and development cooperation. This is evidenced by the numerous international campaigns, such as those for the eradication of female genital mutilation and early and forced marriages, which have always seen Italy at the forefront, and our commitment within the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

Even within the UN Agenda "Women, Peace and Security” Italy, through a specific National Action Plan, is at the forefront among the member states of the United Nations, promoting initiatives aimed at encouraging the full participation of women in all conflict prevention and resolution activities, such as that of Network of Mediterranean Women Mediators, launched by Italy in 2017.

The recent Guidelines of the Italian Cooperation on gender equality and the empowerment of women, girls and women aim, in this sense, to further intensify our commitment through specific initiatives ranging from women's, maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health, to support for programs in favor of the education of girls and women.

At the request of Minister Tajani, the Farnesina has dedicated to the memory of Giulia Cecchettin, a victim of femicide on the eve of her graduation in engineering, the Farnesina scholarship program for young international talents 'Invest Your Talent in Italy', which combines highly specialized paths in the disciplines engineering, economic or architectural at Italian universities and training periods in companies in our country.