ROME (ITALPRESS) – “At a delicate time in the life of the international community, I would like to address, on the occasion of March 8, a greeting and a thought of gratitude to all Italians and all women who work in Italy and contribute to the national welfare.” Thus the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, on the occasion of International Women’s Day. “We have acquired in recent decades,” he adds, “full awareness that policies for gender equality, a right enshrined in our Constitution, have not only resulted in an advantage for women, but have brought benefits, wealth, positive fruits for the entire community. Indeed, the promotion of rights goes hand in hand with the civil and economic development of societies. That is why we must still make determined and far-sighted efforts to close those gaps – cultural, wage, educational, career development – that remain in some national areas.”
“Particular attention,” the Head of State stressed, “still needs to be answered in dealing with the scourge – shameful and unacceptable – of violence against women. Every feminicide, every discrimination, every mistreatment, is an assault on the entire society. It is necessary to continue with the work of repression and prevention. But, at the same time, we need to continue with educational action, starting with the younger generations, that promotes a culture of real equality by eradicating stereotypes, prejudices and established habits. There is a need, in this great battle of civilization, for the contribution of everyone, women and men, who must transmit – in all contexts – a culture of respect and outrage and disapproval of discriminatory and violent words and actions. Equal commitment must be pursued for inclusive family policies that encourage free determination: a woman must never be faced with the dilemma of choosing between family and profession.”
“Women,” Mattarella points out, “are particularly effective vehicles for integration and peace. I want to address a thought of solidarity to the women who, in every part of the world, are persecuted, imprisoned, subjected to unprecedented violence. To the mothers forced to mourn their children who have fallen in war. To women struggling to have their most basic rights recognized, from health, to freedom, to education. Let us make their pain our own, let us listen to their voices. The world will be better with strong prominence of women’s wisdom and balance.”
-Photo Ipa/Agency-
(ITALPRESS).
