Italy aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union on behalf of its Member States and would like to add some additional remarks in its national capacity.
Mr. President, colleagues,
despite our joint efforts over the past 25 years, we are now facing a global pushback and regression of women’s rights, as witnessed by the horrific figures we all heard today, with new forms of violence on the rise, particularly in the digital space. For this reason, we welcome the Resolution on this topic promoted by France and the Netherlands and co-sponsored also by Italy, adopted two weeks ago.
In the run-up to the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025, Italy is ready to play its part.
At national level, Italy has adopted two important measures: the so-called “Freedom Income”, a financial contribution to support women victim of gender-based violence for 12 months, and the so-called ‘Freedom Microcredit’, to support women victim of violence who are assisted by our Anti-Violence Centers in their path towards financial independence. A specific law approved in November 2023 has introduced tighter measures to prevent men from perpetrating violence against women. The law strenghtens victims’ protection introducing new, or upgrading already existing judiciary tools such as the restraining order.
At multilateral level, Italy is an unwavering partner of UN Women, UNICEF and UNFPA, particularly for combating harmful practices and notably Female Genital Mutilation and Early Child Marriage. We are proud to have doubled our support to the UNICEF-UNFPA program to end FGMs, to be financing the UN Trust Fund on the elimination of violence and the Team of Experts on Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, among others.
We are also strongly supporting the ongoing campaign entitled “Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse” not only in our social media but also through dedicated events both in New York and in Italy. Italy is also a longstanding advocate of the “Women, Peace, and Security” agenda, prioritizing gender equality in its foreign policy, humanitarian assistance, and peacekeeping missions.
Finally, the G7 Matera Ministerial Meeting on Gender Equality organized by Italy last October, at the presence of UN Women Executive Director and of the African Union, focused on ending gender-based violence and strengthening support for victims, and approved an ambitious declaration to bolster joint action. We are proud to share that the new Italian UN Women National Committee was also established on the margins of the G7 Meeting. The International Day will be commemorated today in Fiuggi, at the last G7 Ministerial Meeting under Italian Presidency.
Mr. President,
The empowerment of women lies at the heart of the 2030 Agenda. Women’s life and health cannot be hostage of political agendas. Together we can turn the tide and “Orange the World” with concrete actions and tangible results.
I thank you.
