Nell’ambito del G7 pari opportunità organizzato a Matera questa mattina il Ministro Eugenia Roccella ha partecipato all’incontro sul tema “Dialogo tra Ministri G7 per la parità di genere e società civile” organizzato dal W7 nell’auditorium Gervasio. All’incontro sono intervenuti tutti i Ministri del G7, la commissaria europea per l’uguaglianza, Helena Dalli, il sindaco di Matera, Domenico Bennardi e l’assessore comunale alla cultura, Tiziana D’Oppido.
La Commissaria europea per l’uguaglianza, la maltese Helena Dalli, a margine dell’incontro ha dichiarato: “Per raggiungere la parità di genere “abbiamo fatto molto, ma c’è ancora tanta, tanta strada da fare.
“Specialmente dobbiamo avere più ragazze che scelgono i settori dell’intelligenza artificiale e delle scienze, che sono il presente e il futuro e sono molto ben pagati.
E invece ci sono tante donne, circa il 90 per cento del totale, occupate nel care work, il settore meno pagato, e per il quale l’Unione europea ha una strategia per comprendere e cercare di migliorare le condizioni di lavoro”.
Dalli ha anche sottolineato la bellezza della città di Matera: “E’ la fine del mondo, è una città incredibile. Mi sentivo in un presepe. E ci ritornerò sicuramente”.
Michele Capolupo
Di seguito il testo in inglese pronunciato dal Ministro Eugenia Roccella e la fotogallery dell’incontro (foto www.SassiLive.it)
Il Ministro Roccella ha risposto alla domanda del moderatore sulla priorità del Governo italiano nel campo delle politiche per le pari opportunità. L’ambito proposto è quello della lotta alla violenza contro le donne.
Di seguito la risposta del Ministro Roccella.
Yesterday, during our Ministerial Meeting, we emphasized the close connection between violence against women and their empowerment. Indeed, when violence is particularly rooted and widespread, it is more difficult to promote women’s talents and the full recognition of their value.
Violence is a clear manifestation of structural and historical unequal power relations between women and men. This becomes even more evident at a time when women are achieving more freedom and independence, day by day. Violence, thus, is a result of men’s difficulty to accept this new freedom, which disrupts and challenges an outdated social system built by and for men.
I am proud to say that Italy’s legislation, strengthened with the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, certainly is robust and advanced. Our anti-violence networks are fully operational and supported by the Government. Yet, the number of victims remains sadly alarming, demanding our continued focus and attention.
Therefore, the Italian Government made the prevention and fight against gender violence a priority of its political agenda.
We have increased the funds for the network of anti-violence centres and shelters.
We have strengthened and made structural the “Freedom Income”, which is a monthly financial contribution of 400 euros for 12 months for women victims of violence, with or without underage children, who are being supported by anti-violence centres and social services.
We have also strengthened the “Freedom Microcredit” which is divided into two types of facilitated loans: the business microcredit, to encourage women to start their own business activity based on their own ideas and aspirations, and the social microcredit, which allows them to cover various expenses including medical bills, educational and training costs for women themselves or their children, or for finding a new residence.
Our National Action Plan on Male Violence Against Women, that will be updated by the end of this year, serves as the primary strategic tool defining the systemic actions that should be taken for the prevention of male violence against women, the protection of victims, the prosecution of perpetrators, and for the dévelopment of integrated policies in line with the “4Ps” approach.
In November 2023, I signed a specific bill, together with the Minister of the Interior and the Minister of Justice. The law aims to enhance the protection of victims by focusing on the so-called “warning crimes” and reinforce the existing preventive protection measures. The definition of unlawful conduct related to violence has been broadened, and penalties for crimes connected to domestic violence, such as assault, stalking, and the dissemination of sexually explicit images or videos, have been increased. As for prosecution, the law provided for a significant shortening of the timing for the adoption of precautionary measures, such as, inter alia, the electronic bracelet and the ban to approach the victim in any way.
Particularly important for the Italian Government is also to combat economic violence, that is characterized by controlling behaviors that limit or completely inhibit women’s freedom and capacity to acquire, use, or retain economic resources.
In the past, economic violence was one of the most underestimated and overlooked forms of violence, often justified by gender stereotypes suggesting that men should act as breadwinners within the family and that financial management is a male responsibility, traditionally handled by fathers, brothers, and husbands.
Economic violence often extends beyond financial control and is associated with other forms of violence, such as physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. Therefore, empowering women to become economically and financially independent is one of the most powerful tools to help them escape abusive relationships or conditions.
On this aspect, the Italian Government signed a specific Agreement with the Italian Banks Association to increase women’s financial knowledge and facilitate opportunities and tools for the economic empowerment of women.
I would also like to recall today a particularly significant initiative carried out with students: in February 2024, we launched a competition for schools to create short films on male violence against women.
This competition was part of the activities carried out in collaboration with the Minister of Education, to increase students’ awareness on the prevention and elimination of violence against women and domestic violence.
A month ago, the five best short films were awarded at the Venice International Film Festival. The success of this initiative shows that young people are sensitive and capable of driving cultural change and this underlines the crucial role of schools and education systems in effectively fighting stereotypes and violence against women.
Thank you for your attention.
