On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, President Sergio Mattarella urged the country to renew its commitment to protecting women’s rights and freedoms. “Women’s freedom and leadership are achievements that must be defended and strengthened every day,” he said.

Despite significant progress, gender equality still struggles to take root in many areas of daily life—homes, workplaces, and public spaces. This persistent gap, Mattarella warned, reduces women’s autonomy, jeopardizes their safety, and ultimately undermines social progress.

He also pointed to the devastating impact of armed conflicts, where violence against women is systematically used as a tool of intimidation. And today, new forms of abuse spread through digital channels: “Humiliation, blackmail, and coercion amplified by social networks have very real consequences and, in the worst cases, lead to physical assaults and femicides.”

A central theme of his message was the importance of language. Stereotypes and harmful narratives, he stressed, can reinforce unequal power dynamics: “Equality begins with learning the language of respect.”

Marking the 65th anniversary of the assassination of the Mirabal sisters—symbols of resistance against dictatorship—Mattarella recalled their enduring legacy. “Their courage continues to inspire entire generations,” he said, reminding the nation that women’s freedom is not a final goal but an ongoing responsibility.