“Women as protagonists in change, in the peaceful resolution of conflicts and in the fight against poverty. That is the message I want to convey today, on the occasion of the 8th of March. I would also like to send my wishes to all the women of the Farnesina, in service in Rome or abroad,” said Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Angelino Alfano.
“On the day when by celebrating women we want to promote the culture of respect, I reiterate my belief that women can make a difference in the management of peace and international security. However, we need more women to be protagonists in mediation activities. Unfortunately, today there are still too few of them.”
He went on: “The Farnesina through its diplomatic and consular network and its development cooperation activities, promotes and supports actions, also at local level, to foster the participation of women in politics and to encourage their role in the economy and in the fight against poverty. We are convinced that the civil, political, economic, social and cultural development of every country cannot be achieved without the full participation and the fundamental contribution of women.”
He continued: “The 8th of March is also the occasion to remind us that last year Italy, when we chaired the G7, promoted the first summit on equal opportunities and the adoption of a ‘Roadmap for a gender-responsive economic empowerment’. This is a cross-cutting action plan for gender equality, for the reduction of violence against women and children and for a broader participation of women in decision-making processes. Also in 2017 the Farnesina launched the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network to strengthen women’s role in mediation activities in the region.”
With the increasing involvement of women in conflict or post-conflict situations, the Farnesina underlines their decisive contribution in the peaceful resolution of conflicts. It also reiterates Italy’s commitment to preventing and fighting every kind of discrimination and violence against women. Moreover, we restate our support to international campaigns to eliminate all harmful practices, starting with female genital mutilation and forced and child marriages, in addition to the campaigns to prevent and fight sexual violence in conflict and emergency situations.