Madam Chair,
Distinguished Colleagues,
Three decades ago, the Beijing Platform for Action ignited a global movement, guiding nations toward the strategic priorities necessary to achieve true gender equality. Yet, we are still far from where we need to be.
In this context, allow me to underscore two fundamental pillars that lie at the heart of Italy’s commitment: the empowerment of every woman and girl, and the uncompromising eradication of all forms of male violence against them.
Over the last few years, Italy has embarked on a series of reforms designed to champion gender equality in politics. These efforts culminated in a historic milestone in 2022, when Italy proudly elected its first-ever female Prime Minister.
Italy has also been adopting numerous measures to support women’s participation in the labour market, including tax relief and incentives for businesses hiring women and for working mothers, and to improve work-life balance. These measures also aim to reinforce cooperation with the private sector to protect and promote the social significance of maternity. All this effort brought our country to achieve the highest female employment rate ever recorded in Italy.
Dear Colleagues,
Violence against women is a deep-rooted scourge, and no nation, no matter how advanced, is untouched by its devastating grip.
I am particularly proud to announce that, just last a week ago, the Italian Government passed a landmark bill proposing the introduction of femicide as a distinct and specific offence in the Italian Criminal Code. The bill is currently being presented to the Parliament for discussion and establishes that: “Whoever causes the death of a woman, when the act is committed as an act of discrimination or hatred towards the victim because she is a woman, or to repress the exercise of her rights or freedoms, or, in any case, the expression of her personality, is punished with a life sentence.” Once adopted by the Parliament, the provision will further strengthen Italy’s already advanced legislative framework on violence against women and girls and is expected to strongly contribute to the cultural change that is necessary to finally eradicate violence once and for all.
As we gather here today, we are united by a powerful conviction: that women’s freedom is not just a right, but a cornerstone of a flourishing society for everyone. Together, let’s continue our work to build a world where women are not only free from violence, but free to pursue their own paths.
Thank you.
