This year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, along with its diplomatic-consular network, once again participates in the international campaign for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. As stated by the Vice President of the Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Antonio Tajani, “Italy must be at the forefront of promoting gender equality and female empowerment, especially to prevent and combat 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 to honor women who have fallen victims to violence, with a commemorative plaque unveiled by the attending Foreign Ministers at Fiuggi’s Municipal Theatre, whose façade will be illuminated in orange for the occasion.
This initiative reflects the attention Italy, as G7 Presidency, has dedicated to the prevention and combat of violence against women and girls, particularly in conflict zones where sexual violence is also used as a weapon of war.
Under Minister Tajani’s guidance, the Ministry and its foreign network are also supporting this year’s “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!” campaign, promoted by UN Women, which kicks off 16 days of initiatives alongside civil society. On this occasion, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome will be lit up in orange on November 25.
Eliminating violence against women and supporting female empowerment remain cornerstones of Italy’s foreign policy and development cooperation efforts. This commitment is demonstrated through various international campaigns, such as those aimed at eradicating female genital mutilation and early and forced marriages, where Italy has long been a leader, as well as through its engagement in the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
Through the UN “Women, Peace, and Security” Agenda, Italy, via a dedicated National Action Plan, is at the forefront among UN Member States, promoting initiatives to ensure women’s full participation in conflict prevention and resolution activities. This includes 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 in areas such as women’s health, maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health, and support for education programs for girls and women.
At the request of Minister Tajani, the Ministry has also dedicated its ‘Invest Your Talent in Italy’ scholarship program to the memory of Giulia Cecchettin, a femicide victim on the eve of her engineering degree. The program combines advanced training in engineering, economics, or architecture at Italian universities with internships at Italian companies, fostering international talent.
