Italians Protest Against Gender-Based Violence
The banner’s text reads, “Disarm the patriarchy,” Nov. 24, 2024.X/ @Sabrinalfonsi
November 25, 2024 Hour: 6:44 am
‘Disarm the Patriarchy’ is the slogan to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
On Monday, November 25, Italians will commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, with demonstrations in cities such as Bologna, Milan, Pisa and Turin.
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The movement “Not One Less” called for protests under the slogan “Disarm the patriarchy,” where thousands of citizens are expected to take to the streets to denounce gender-based violence.
Already on Saturday, thousands marched under the same slogan through the streets of Rome and Palermo in two massive demonstrations that brought together participants from across the country.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted a message describing violence against women as a “social and cultural scourge.” She emphasized that it “cannot be ignored but rather demands reflection and action through every possible measure to protect victims from the abhorrent act of violence.”
Meloni stressed that there are still “too many cases of violence and femicides,” reminding everyone that “each of us can make a difference.” The Italian prime minister also shared the emergency number 1522 alongside the message: “Every voice raised against violence is a step toward a safer, fear-free society. Remember: you are not alone.”
Between January 1 and November 17, Italy recorded 269 homicides, 98 of which involved female victims. At least 84 women were killed within a “family or emotional context,” according to the Interior Ministry.
While the authorities state that 51 women were murdered by their partner or ex-partner, the “Not One Less” observatory has documented 106 femicides so far in 2024.
“This is behavior, which has no justification, is rooted in inequalities, gender stereotypes, and cultures that tolerate or minimize abuse, often occurring within the family setting,” said President Sergio Mattarella.
He also urged continued efforts to “eradicate prejudices and discriminatory attitudes that still make women more vulnerable in society, at work, and within the family.”
On Monday evening, the Parliament and several iconic buildings across the country will be illuminated in red as a sign of support for the cause. The Culture Ministry instructed that museums, monuments, and archaeological sites be lit in orange, aligning with the United Nations’ global campaign Orange the World, which promotes gender equality and protests against all forms of violence and discrimination.
In parallel, the Carabinieri—Italy’s military police—launched an awareness campaign featuring informational materials, posters, and videos on social media encouraging women to “take the first step.”
teleSUR/ JF Source: EFE
