Italian Women Plan National Protest

| Fri, 02/11/2011 - 02:19

A national mobilization of Italian women will take place in cities across the country on February 13 for the Giornata Nazionale di Mobilitazione delle Donne. The event is meant to show strength and determination, while drawing attention to the unequal treatment of women in society. Their slogan “Se non ora, cuando?” or “If not now, when?” shows that the time for change is now.

Women in Italy have varied life experiences, often balancing commitments between family life, work, and social obligations. Yet, women are rarely portrayed in Italian media as equals. In fact, a male TV host recently caused controversy by ironing his own clothes on air and challenging gender stereotypes.

The group of women organizing the event wants to fight back against advertising that portrays women as mere sexual objects. They claim that Italy has “passed the threshold of decency” and are asking men, and the state as a whole, to show women respect and friendship.

The goal is make a stand for women by creating a unified front and demanding a return to dignity. With simultaneous events planned in over 100 cities, a large turnout is expected as Italian women make sure that their voices are heard.

Watch the video below to see the call to action for all people, male and female, to take a stand for the rights of women in Italy.