The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassies join the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

This year, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is once again participating in the international mobilisation campaign to mark the Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, emphasised, "Italy must lead in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment, especially in preventing and combating all forms of discrimination and violence against women."

The theme will be highlighted at the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Fiuggi-Anagni. On 25 November, during this ministerial meeting, a "red bench" will be inaugurated to honour the women who have been victims of violence and to remember their lost lives. The Ministers of Foreign Affairs will install a commemorative plaque at the Municipal Theatre of Fiuggi, whose facade will be lit in orange for the occasion.

This initiative underscores Italy's commitment, as G7 Presidency, to addressing the issue of preventing and combating violence against women and girls, particularly in conflicts where sexual violence is used as a weapon of war. Following Minister Tajani's instructions, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic network will also participate in this year's "Orange the World: End Violence Against Women Now!" campaign, promoted by UN Women, which kicks off 16 days of initiatives with civil society. On 25 November, the Farnesina will be lit up in orange to mark this occasion.

Eliminating violence against women and supporting women's empowerment are key pillars of Italian foreign policy and development cooperation. This commitment is evidenced by numerous international campaigns aimed at eradicating female genital mutilation and preventing early and forced marriages, with Italy consistently at the forefront. Italy's dedication is further reflected in its active participation in the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

Within the framework of the UN Agenda "Women, Peace and Security," Italy, through a specific National Action Plan, is a leader among UN Member States in promoting initiatives that encourage the full participation of women in conflict prevention and resolution activities. This includes the Network of Women Mediators in the Mediterranean, launched by Italy in 2017.

The recent Italian Cooperation Guidelines on gender equality and the empowerment of women, girls, and children aim to strengthen our commitment through specific initiatives. These initiatives range from enhancing women's, maternal, sexual, and reproductive health to supporting educational programs for girls and women.

At Minister Tajani's request, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dedicated the scholarship programme for young international talents, "Invest Your Talent in Italy," to the memory of Giulia Cecchettin, a victim of feminicide on the eve of her engineering degree. This programme combines specialised courses in engineering, economics, or architecture at Italian universities with training periods in Italian companies.