President Sergio Mattarella said
Saturday that woman should not have to choose between having a
family or a career and blasted gender-based violence in his
message for International Women's Day.
The head of State, who is currently on a State visit to Japan,
called for great commitment to "inclusive family policies that
favour free determination: a woman must never be faced with the
dilemma of choosing between family and a profession.
"At a delicate time in the life of the international community,
I would like to address a greeting and a thought of gratitude to
all the Italian women and men who work in Italy and contribute
to the national well-being," he continued.
"In recent decades, we have become fully aware that policies for
gender equality, a right enshrined in our Constitution, have not
only resulted in an advantage for women, but have also brought
positive benefits and wealth for the whole community".
He also spoke about gender-based violence after Premier Giorgia
Meloni's cabinet on Friday approved a bill instituting the crime
of femicide and other measures to combat violence against women.
"Particular attention must still be paid to tackling the
shameful, unacceptable scourge of violence against women,"
Mattarella said.
"Every femicide, every (act of) discrimination, every
mistreatment, is an assault on the whole of society.
"We must continue with the work of repression and prevention.
"But, at the same time, we must also continue with educational
action, starting with the younger generations, that promotes a
culture of real equality by eradicating stereotypes, prejudices
and established habits".
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
