Red Bench Unveiled in Pzz. Signoria

In view of The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women next week, morning walks will take place on Saturday, November 19, 2022 starting from various points in all five neighborhoods of Florence that will converge on Piazza Signoria. There, a symbolic red bench will be unveiled at 12 noon to shed light on gender-based violence and gender inequality to keep this battle in the spotlight.

People are invited to join the walk scheduled in their quartiere (neighborhood).  Departures are scheduled from: District 1 – Centro  at 9:30 am from the red bench of the Margherita garden in via Felice Fontana; District 2 – Campo di Marte at 11 am from the, “Niccolò Galli” playground, in via Manfredo Fanti (fountain/carousel side); District 3 – Gavinana-Galluzzo  at 10 am from piazza Cardinale Elia dalla Costa, from District 4 Isolotto-Legnaia at 9:30 am from the red bench in the Saletto garden; from District 5 – Novoli at 10 am from the red bench of the Arco San Donato.

The groups are expected to arrive at Piazza Signoria at noon, where a red bench will be placed as a symbol of the fight against violence against women. The bench will remain in Piazza della Signoria throughout the week. Le Musiquorum, a women’s choir, will also take part in the activities. The group’s repertoire includes traditional songs relating to the theme of women, peace, and work.

In recent years, Florence has offered several events in solidarity with The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women from street art depictions, flash mobs, to art exhibitions, and more.  The day itself will offer more happenings to be announced.  In the first six months of 2022, 125 women lost their lives in Italy, more than 2021. (Michela Tambasco)