“In this historical phase, the battle against gender violence needs the maximum contribution from politics and institutions. We need a season of common struggle to defend the right to individual freedoms, especially women’s. The Conference of Democratic Women of Calabria, together with the entire regional Democratic Party, intends to strengthen its commitment on this front, proposing and building tools to combat the lack of culture of patriarchy and oppression”
This, in summary, is the message given to her Calabrian democratic women launched in a press conference held at the headquarters of the regional party, coordinated by the spokesperson, Teresa Esposito.
“The patriarchal structure of our society has not been overcome – said Esposito – and this reflects on social and cultural perceptions towards women. Fighting patriarchy requires a profound change in mentality, social practices and laws. The latter cannot only be repressive, it is not enough to stop the phenomenon of gender violence. I asked our administrators to make the necessary spaces available for the opening of anti-violence offices, a safe point of reference where victims can find support, obtaining unanimous availability.”
Enza Bruno Bossio and Tonia Stumpomembers of the national coordination of the Democrats, referred to the feminist movement which in the past represented one of the main forces of protest against patriarchy. Feminists fought to gain civil rights such as the right to vote, access to education and professions, equal pay, and the right to health and control over one’s body. Today the need to disarm patriarchy returns forcefully in the daily lives of young Italian women, whose body itself is revolutionary, giving them new life and goals, “it is up to us to give them answers and support them”.
Furthermore, reference was made to the lack of economic autonomy as a crucial factor that links women to the cycle of domestic violence, as many women remain in violent relationships due to economic dependence on their partner. Not to mention that the historical exclusion of women from paid work has made them more vulnerable to social inequality.
Vladimira Puglieseprovincial spokesperson for the Democrats of Vibo Valentia, recalled the constant commitment of the Democratic Party on this issue, day after day, directing his reflection on the importance of the first educational agency of our society, the family, within which it must develop that healthy dialogue capable of educating children to respect each individual and themselves.
The mayor of Siderno, Mariateresa Fragomeniunderlined the importance of using social funds intended for the fight against gender violence, which are fundamental for supporting victims and guaranteeing them a path to protection and recovery. A daily commitment to programming, but also to political battles to defend women’s rights.
In conclusion, Barbara Panettaalso a member of the national coordination of the Democrats, launched the General States of the women of the Southto be held in the coming months, to develop a regional political proposal that counteracts the retrograde strategies of the Italian right. “Furthermore – reported Panetta – together with our regional councilor, Amalia Bruni, we will build a bill aimed at guaranteeing stronger protection and more effective support to women victims of violence who find themselves in particularly fragile conditions such as economic status , age, disability, migrant status etc.”
Finally, the Calabrian Democrats invite you to join the national initiative “Let’s illuminate a future without violence”turning on a light in homes, streets and squares – Monday 25 November, from 7.00 pm – to symbolically spread the voice of all women victims of violence.