U.S. Lecce uses Serie A platform to campaign against gender-based violence

U.S. Lecce has drawn international attention for its initiative to combat gender-based violence during its Serie A match against Monza. The club's social project, 'Lecce Love', featured young mascots entering the pitch with a red hand painted on their faces, a symbolic gesture intended to highlight the issue of femicide.

The initiative was proposed by Marina Sticchi Damiani to honor the memory of Lorena Isceri, a local woman killed by her former partner, whose death deeply affected the Salento community. Rather than waiting for the league's annual awareness day, Lecce requested a modification to the standard pre-match protocol to deliver an immediate and impactful message.

The campaign's significance was highlighted by the New York Times, which featured an in-depth report on the club's efforts to use its visibility as a tool for social responsibility and community advocacy.