Italy Gears Up for National Day of Protest Against Gender Violence

Italy is gearing up for a major demonstration in Rome on Saturday to confront gender-based violence, coinciding with the International Day Against Gender Violence. The call for action follows the murder of a 22 year-old student by her former partner, sparking national outrage and debate on the issue.

Over 100 women have been killed in Italy this year, with such murders often labeled as femicides. While obtaining precise data for femicide across Europe is challenging, Italy is not the EU's leader in this grim statistic.

In response to this social issue and a widespread social media outcry, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has committed to increasing public awareness, and the Italian parliament has recently passed legislation providing greater protections for women.

Amidst the growing protests and vigils, Euronews consulted Benedetta Rossi from the feminist group "Non Una di Meno," the main event organizer. Rossi suggests a cultural shift is underway, with more people recognizing and joining the cause. However, Rossi criticizes political leaders for inadequate measures, emphasizing the need for a deeper change in societal attitudes and the patriarchal system.