Italy sees rise in protests and debates over gender-based violence

Various regions in Italy are seeing increased mobilization and debate regarding gender-based violence and feminicide.

In Novara, unions and local institutions have organized a flash mob in Piazza Duomo to protest recent feminicides, encouraging participants to wear purple and black. Similarly, students at the ITIS Stanislao Cannizzaro institute in Colleferro have scheduled a flash mob to raise awareness and transform grief into a message of change.

In Jesi, a large-scale demonstration was held to demand the eradication of violence against women, with organizers emphasizing the importance of institutional support and careful language.

Meanwhile, in Modena, a planned conference titled ‘La violenza non ha genere’ (Violence has no gender) has sparked significant controversy. Feminist associations, including Casa delle Donne, have criticized the event, arguing that the framing minimizes the structural and cultural nature of violence against women. Some groups are considering sit-ins to protest the conference.