Statement by President Mattarella on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

«In all walks of social and private life, in homes, at the workplace and in urban spaces, the principle of equality is taking root sluggishly, thereby limiting women’s autonomy, jeopardising their safety and weakening the progress of society.

A tragic example of this is to be seen in the theatres of armed conflict, where violence against women is used as a tool of intimidation and oppression.

Today, we witness the spreading of forms of violence enabled by the digital world and amplified by the social network dynamics. The consequences are all but virtual: humiliation, blackmailing and coercion that lead, in the most serious cases, to physical assault and femicide.

Such abuses leave deep scars – on the body and in the mind.

In this context, the use of language is by no means trifling when it fuels stereotypes. When it seeks to justify relationships of domination and unacceptable behaviour.

Equality means, above all, to learn the language of respect.

On the 65^th anniversary of the assassination of the Mirabal sisters, tortured and killed on 25 November 1960 in the Dominican Republic – today, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – their choice to stand against the dictatorship still inspires entire generations, reminding us that women’s freedom and empowerment are collective achievements to be preserved and consolidated every day».