Events for the Violence Against Women Day in Liguria
The Violence Against Women Day will be held on the 25th November. Officially recognised by the United Nations in 1999, this day aims to denounce, combat, and prevent all forms of physical, sexual, and psychological violence against women.
Here are the main events scheduled in Liguria to mark this important day:
Why is the Violence Against Women Day held on the 25th November?
The 25th of November was chosen to honour the assassination of the three Mirabal sisters: Patria, Maria Teresa, and Minerva, who were killed on this day in 1960. Political activists during the regime of General Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic, they spoke out against the horrors and crimes of the dictatorship. On the 25th of November 1960, the three sisters, nicknamed “Las Mariposas” (The Butterflies), were tortured and murdered. Their bodies were thrown into a ravine to make it appear as though they had died in an accident.
What’s the symbol of this event?
Two symbols have been created for the Violence Against Women Day: red shoes and red benches. The first, red shoes, was created by Mexican artist Elina Chauvet in 2009 when she placed 33 pairs of red women’s shoes in a square in Ciudad Juárez. This installation aimed to raise awareness about femicide and violence against women. Similarly, red benches have been placed in many cities as a symbol of saying NO to domestic violence against women. These benches serve as a public statement, reminding people of the ongoing fight against gender-based violence.
Imperia
Camporosso
The Cultural Association of Beneficial Events is organising “Together Against Violence”, a free conference open to all, on Friday, 22nd November at 8:30 PM at the Giovanni Falcone Multipurpose Centre in Camporosso. The speakers will include Dr Monica Borgogno, Lawyer Mabel Riolfo, Dr Ambra Del Cero, and the Commander of the Camporosso Police, Paolo Canton.
Civezza
On Sunday, 24th November at 6:00 PM, the performance “Every Five Minutes” will be held at the Forum Ricca in Civezza. In the two grocery stores in the village, Simona and Nora’s, red cyclamens will be sold to raise funds for Martina Rossi’s Association. Martina Rossi, a 20-year-old student from Imperia, tragically fell from a balcony in Majorca while trying to escape an attempted rape. The proceeds from the flower sales will go to support the association in her memory. Martina’s parents will also be present at the event.
Dolcedo – Bellissimi
On Sunday, 24th November, at 5:15 PM, the Teatro dell’Attrito will present the performance Malacarne at the Casinò di Bellissimi, located at via Trincheri 3. The show, based on the book of the same name by A. Valeriano, focuses on the condition of women within psychiatric institutions between the late 19th century and the fascist era.
Imperia
From 10:00 AM on Sunday, 24th November, an event dedicated to raising awareness and showing solidarity will take place along the cycling path of the Coastal Park between Ospedaletti and Imperia. The event will feature a bike ride to say no to violence.
San Lorenzo al mare
At the Teatro dell’Albero in San Lorenzo al Mare, the monologue ‘MOI’, dedicated to Camille Claudel, will be performed on 23rd November at 9:00 PM. Written by Chiara Pasetti, this production is a collaboration between the cultural association “Le Rêve et la Vie” and Tieffe Teatro Milano. The performance features Lisa Galantini with direction by Alberto Giusta.
Sanremo
The ASD Street Fighting Concept, in observance of the Violence Against Women Day, is organising a free self-defence workshop for women of all ages at Villa Ormond. The event is scheduled for Sunday, 24th November at 2:30 PM and will be led by Samantha Aiola and Fabio Forte.
On Monday, 25th November, at 10:30 AM, the performance “Stai zitta. Le Donne anche a bocca chiusa cantano” will be staged at the Palafiori in Sanremo, featuring the participation of the Folo FilHarmonia – Sanremo.
Savona
Albenga
For the second edition of the “Ambra Rosa 2024” theatre festival, directed and conceived by Mario Mesiano and organised by Teatro Ingaunia in collaboration with the Municipality of Albenga, the following performances are scheduled:
- Saturday, 23rd November: “Quattro donne” with Chiara Buratti.
- Saturday, 30th November at 9:00 PM: “Figlio non sei più giglio”, with Daniela Poggi and Mariella Nava, at the Teatro Ambra.
Bergeggi
The “Camminata in rosso” (Walk in Red) will take place at 3:00 PM on Saturday, 23rd November. Participants will meet in Piazza Torre D’Ere, wearing a red garment to show solidarity and raise awareness about the issue.
Finale Ligure
Many events are taking place in Finale Ligure. The calendar of initiatives will begin in Finalborgo with:
- Friday, 22nd November, 9:15 PM: the initiative “L’arroganza del pisello” at the Destefanis Auditorium.
- Monday, 25th November, 9:00 AM: the theatrical monologue “Moi”, the story of Camille Claudel, performed by Lisa Galantini at the Destefanis Auditorium.
- From Friday, 22nd to Sunday, 24th November: an installation by artist Faé Djéraba at the Aycardi Theatre in Finalborgo, where four photographic works will also be exhibited, titled “#Nonabbandoniamole”, “Help”, “Help II”, and “New read”. Masha, related to the project “Smile is mine”, will also be featured.
- Saturday, 23rd November, 4:30 PM: a concert by the Sicilian female duo Saffo (clarinet and piano) at the Destefanis Auditorium in Finalborgo, featuring 20th-century music and a piece specially composed for the event by a Sicilian composer. The performance, organised by La Società dei Concerti, will be introduced by Zonta Club Finale Ligure, which will raise awareness on the subject; followed by an introduction by the pianists from the Ateneum Piano School and some young Ligurian flautists.
Genoa
Camogli
The rich programme for the Violence Against Women Day will begin on Monday, 25th November, at 9:50 AM with “Volti di donna, educhiamo al rispetto” (“Faces of Women, Educating for Respect”). This initiative, organised by students and teachers M. Gardella and G. Capirmi from the First-Level Secondary School, will take place in front of the municipal building.
At 3:30 PM, the Senior Centre will host “Il coraggio di denunciare” at the Casa della Provvidenza in Camogli. On Sunday, 1st December, at 4:00 PM, the theatre reading performance “Donne spezzate, donne rinate” (“Broken Women, Reborn Women”) by the Amateur Theatre Company “Alle Cinque” will conclude the programme at the La Millenaria Library in Ruta.
Genova
On Saturday, 23rd November, starting from 4:30 PM, the event “Giornata contro la violenza sulle donne 365 giorni l’anno” (“Against Violence Towards Women 365 Days a Year”) will take place. This free and open meeting is organised by Donne Insieme a Pegli in collaboration with Scuola Musicale Conte, and will be held at the Conte Auditorium in via Cialli 6D. At 4:00 PM, a symbolic round dance will take place in Piazza De Ferrari. Later in the evening, the Centro Per Non Subire Violenza will present the Sos Orfani Speciali project, with a concert by the Coro Canto Libero, conducted by Gianni Martini, at Villa Piantelli.
On Sunday, 24th November, at 11:00 AM, the “Quattro Cori” concert will take place in the Sala Maggior Consiglio of Palazzo Ducale. This concert is dedicated to the fight against gender-based violence.
On Monday, 25th November, several events will take place in Genoa:
- At 8:30 PM, La Claque Teatro will host the theatre performance “A maglie scoperte”, curated by Teatro dell’Ortica.
- At 5:30 PM, Paola Toni will present the show “Riprendo la mia vita” at the Centro Civico Buranello.
- At 9:00 PM, the International Dubbing Festival “Voci nell’Ombra” will open with the screening of the film “It Ends With Us – Siamo noi a dire basta” at Cinema San Siro in Genoa Nervi.
On Tuesday, 26th November, at 10:00 AM, the Teatro dell’Ortica will perform “A maglie scoperte” at La Claque, a theatre production designed for schools.
Recco
On Monday, 25th November, the photographic exhibition “RISPETTO, nella vita, nello sport oltre ogni stereotipo” (“Respect, in life, in sport beyond every stereotype”) will be officially inaugurated at the Franco Lavoratori Multipurpose Hall in Recco.
Sori
On Wednesday, 27th November, at 9:00 PM, the town of Sori will commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women with the performance of “Tomato Soap” at the Teatro di Sori. The play highlights gender-based violence through the story of Gianni and Gilda, exploring the stages of their relationship, from their initial meeting to falling in love, building a life together, and ultimately facing the decline and emergence of abuse and control.
La Spezia
La Spezia
The events will begin on Thursday, 21st November, at 10:00 AM with a walk through the streets of the town centre, organised by the Centro Antiviolenza Irene. The walk will end in Piazza Europa.
On Monday, 25th November, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the Polizia di Stato, the Centro Antiviolenza Irene, and Palla alle Donne will present the event titled “Questo non è amore”, where qualified personnel will provide information about gender-based violence. Almost simultaneously, an extraordinary town council meeting will take place at 10:30 AM in Sala Dante, opening with the Italian National Anthem performed by students from the “Cardarelli” Music High School. From 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM, a theatrical performance titled “Le Donne sono Fatte” will be presented, organised by Etrusco Catozzi.
Lerici
On Monday, 25th November, at 9:00 PM, the town of Lerici will hold a performance “Confessioni di sangue – Le parole dei femminicidi” (“Confessions of Blood – The Words of the Feminicides”) at the Teatro Astoria.
Sarzana
From Monday, 25th November to Sunday, 8th December, the artist Monica Beyerle will present an emotional exhibition at the Antico Lavatoio in via Mascardi. The exhibition is inspired by the famous song by Vasco Rossi and dedicated to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Beginning with the themes of pain and suffering, the display narrates the long journey towards freedom, reflecting the struggles and empowerment that many women face in their fight against violence.
