The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation joins the international campaign on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. As the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Antonio Tajani, stated: “Italy must be at the forefront in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, especially 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” will be inaugurated—in memory of women victims of violence and their lost lives—with the installation of a commemorative plaque by the attending Foreign Ministers at the Municipal Theatre of Fiuggi, whose façade will be illuminated in orange for the occasion. This initiative underscores the focus Italy, as the G7 Presidency, has dedicated to the prevention and combating of violence against women and girls, particularly in numerous conflict situations, where sexual violence is also used as a war weapon.
Additionally, under Minister Tajani’s direction, the Farnesina and its foreign 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 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 women’s empowerment remain central pillars of Italy’s foreign policy and development cooperation efforts. This is reflected in numerous international campaigns, such as those aimed at eradicating female genital mutilation and early and forced marriages, in which Italy has always been at the forefront, as well as in our commitment within the framework of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
In the context of the UN “Women, Peace, and Security” Agenda, Italy, through a dedicated National Action Plan, is a leader among UN member states. It promotes initiatives to foster 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 our commitment through specific initiatives ranging from women’s health, maternal and child health, and sexual and reproductive health to supporting programmes for the education of girls and women.
At Minister Tajani’s request, the Farnesina has dedicated its “Invest Your Talent in Italy” scholarship programme for international young talents to the memory of Giulia Cecchettin, who was tragically killed in a femicide on the eve of her graduation in engineering. The programme combines advanced specialisation in engineering, economics, or architecture at Italian universities with training opportunities in Italian companies.
