On November 25, 2017, thousands of people throughout Tuscany are expected to take to the streets as a mark of solidarity for the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Florence
At 3pm, a friendly football match will be held at Stadio Bozzi between Nazionale Italiana Parlamentari Donne (Italian Women MP team) and Palazzo Vecchio FC. Florence mayor Dario Nardella blows the kick-off whistle and Italian sport minister Luca Lotti will be in attendance.
Readings and live music are being held throughout the day at Libreria Ibs in via Cerretani. Highlights include: 11:30am, a talk (in Italian) by Elodie Migliorini of Artemisia on the role of anti-violence centres; 4pm, the female world of independent publishing with readings by Benedette Bendinelli, Francesca Corpaci, Silvia Costantino, Ilaria Giannini and Elisabetta Meccariello; 5pm, knitting with Kate Alinari; 6pm, greetings by vice-mayor Cristina Giachi, followed by readings by Florentine authors Anna Maria Falchi, Leonardo Gori, Marco Vichi and Christine von Borries; 9pm, live music.
Lighting up the region
Tuscany’s monuments, buildings, fountains and trees will be lit up in red or orange as a mark of solidarity, especially in Livorno, Forte dei Marmi, Bagno a Ripoli, Carrara and Lucca, where a demonstration is also taking place complete with readings against domestic violence.
Castiglion Fiorentino
An empty chair with a pair of red shoes stands in the entrance of Castiglion Fiorentino town hall in memory of Monica, who was killed by her ex-boyfriend.
Poggio a Caiano
Another empty chair with a pair of red shoes is found in the town hall of the village near Prato.
Sesto Fiorentino
A red shoe installation makes a statement in front of the town hall with red drapes on the building’s façade.
Empoli
Readings are being held at Empoli’s Istituto Ferraris-Brunelleschi to raise awareness among students. A red bench is being installed in piazza Vittoria.
Colle Val d’Elsa
The students of S.Giovanni Bosco high school will perform with readings and music.
Vinci and Pistoia
Attend self-defence lessons at the sports complexes of Vinci and Pistoia.
Siena
In partnership with bakeries, Cgil pensioners are handing out 11,000 bread bags printed with the words “Violence against women cannot be our daily bread”.
Poggibonsi
Three roses are being planted in the public gardens with a commemorative plaque.
Castelfiorentino
Seventy dancers are performing, flanked by women of all ages.
