‘Elimination of Violence Against Women’ 2024
The issue of violence against women will be in the spotlight once again on the annual International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25. The day aims to raise worldwide awareness about the various forms of violence that women can experience.
This year, over 60 events will take place throughout the city of Florence starting the preceding week, in conjunction with local organizations. Although many of these activities will be conducted in Italian, some will also be held in English. Organizers of the initiatives emphasize their commitment to protesting all forms of gender-based violence, through a program that comprises exhibitions, theater performances, conferences, workshops, and interviews.
Free Breast Screenings
A “Health Village” set up in Piazza Duomo in front of the Florence Cathedral will offer mammograms free of charge on Nov. 19 (1 – 6:30 pm); Nov. 20 (9 am – 6 pm) and Nov. 21 (8:30 am – 1 pm).
Special Concert at Murate Art District
Murate Art District in Florence will host a special concert for women on Wednesday, November 20, at Piazza delle Murate (6 pm). The show “Tre voci per il mio felice niente” is a collaboration between two artists, Benedetta Manfriani and Cristina Abati. Benedetta, known for her work in singing and visual arts, joins forces with Cristina, who brings expertise in theater, performance, and instrumental music.
More information: https://www.murateartdistrict.it/
Casa delle Donne events and “Women (every)day,” exhibition
The Casa delle Donne (via delle Vecchie Carceri 8) will inaugurate an exhibition by Pilar Roca, an artist specializing in graphic design on November 22. The events will continue until December 22, concluding with a swap party, where participants can exchange their clothes and other unused items.
November 22 is also the opening day of the exhibition at the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Italia curated by Sara Onofrietti titled “Women (every)day,” which will run until November 30. This exhibition showcases the work of five female artists: Sofia Ancillotti, Benedetta Danti, Graziella Ingorgia, Chiara Nencioni, and Alice Risaliti. Their mission is to express what it means to be a woman today, in the 21st century. Their works portray women’s lives and the hardships they face, focusing on themes such as gender and domestic violence, discrimination, identity, and the fight for equality.
(More info: https://portalegiovani.comune.fi.it/pogio/info_publish/donna_dettaglio.php?ID_REC=785).
The week also brings the following events:
Painting the Red Bench
On Saturday, November 23 at noon members of the “Donne Ganze” Association and other local organizations, will paint a red bench at the Gazometro in the Pignone. Donne Ganze is an association promoting actions for cultural change, focusing on women and their roles in society, both as workers and mothers. They advocate for increased female representation in the work, culture, the arts, and politics. Additionally, the organization focuses on informed motherhood and parenthood. More info:
https://portalegiovani.comune.fi.it/pogio/info_publish/donna_dettaglio.php?ID_REC=786
Dance Performances and Walk for Women
On Sunday, November 24, Fit Village Urban Dance will present a special dance performance in Piazza Dalmazia at 11 am.
Later that day, there will be another walk dedicated to the victims of gender-based violence. The event starts at 4 pm at Via Lazio, near the memorial of Irene Focardi (a woman brutally murdered by her ex-partner). During the walk, there will be a stop at the red bench in Piazza Primo Maggio for a performance by the Demidoff dance group. After that, the stroll will continue along Via di Brozzi to Piazza 4 Novembre and Via di Peretola, where Linda Siviero’s artwork will be displayed. Then it will stop at the red bench in Via de’ Vespucci before heading to Piazza Garibaldi and the Vanessa Association’s headquarters at the Peretola Fraternal Association.
Multilingual Digital Communication Campaign
On Monday, November 25, Italia Hello will launch a multilingual digital communication campaign to raise awareness on the issues of discrimination and violence against women. This organization focuses on helping migrant communities, especially refugees and asylum seekers, by supporting them through the challenges of adapting to life in a new country. Click here for more infomation. (Paulina Juzak)
