The Italian MFA and its Embassies join the international campaign titled #NoExcuse. International activity of Italy on this topic and press statement.
This year too, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy is 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, Antonio Tajani, “Italy must be at the forefront in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, particularly to prevent and combat all forms of discrimination and violence against women.”
This year, the issue 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 – a tribute to women victims of violence and their lost lives – with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by the Foreign Ministers present at the Fiuggi Municipal Theatre, whose façade will be lit orange for the occasion.
The initiative underscores the priority Italy, as G7 current President, has given to preventing and combating violence against women and girls, particularly in numerous conflict situations where sexual violence is also used as a weapon of war.
Additionally, at the direction of Minister Tajani, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its international 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. To mark the occasion, the Ministry building will be illuminated in orange on November 25.
Eliminating violence against women and supporting women’s empowerment remain pillars of Italy’s foreign policy and development cooperation efforts. This commitment is reflected in numerous international campaigns, such as those for the eradication of female genital mutilation and early and forced marriages, in which Italy has always played a leading role, as well as its active engagement in the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
In the framework of the UN “Women, Peace and Security” Agenda, Italy, through a dedicated National Action Plan, is at the forefront among UN Member States, promoting initiatives aimed at fostering the full participation of women in all conflict prevention and resolution activities. One such initiative is the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network, launched by Italy in 2017.
The recent Guidelines for Italian Cooperation on gender equality and the empowerment of women, girls, and children aim to further intensify Italy’s efforts through specific initiatives ranging from women’s health, maternal-child, sexual and reproductive health, to supporting programs for the education of girls and women.
At Minister Tajani’s request, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dedicated the “Invest Your Talent in Italy” scholarship program for international young talents to the memory of Giulia Cecchettin, a victim of femicide on the eve of earning her engineering degree. This program combines advanced specialization paths in engineering, economics, or architecture at Italian universities with training opportunities in Italian companies.
Find out more on the Italian MFA website at this link.
